Natalie M. “Nikki” Krawitz, vice president for finance and administration for the University of Missouri System since 2002, received the Chancellor Medal from Missouri University of Science and Technology during commencement ceremonies Friday, May 17, at the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building in Rolla.

The Chancellor Medal is given to individuals who have contributed to the well-being, growth and development of the university.

Krawitz was the speaker for Friday’s commencement ceremony at Missouri S&T. During Friday’s ceremony, all graduate candidates and non-engineering candidates received their degrees. More than 500 degrees were awarded that evening.

Under Krawitz’s direction, the university achieved millions of dollars in cost savings through administrative streamlining, including implementation of systemwide e-Procurement, an online automated travel reimbursement system and revenue generation through investment management. Her system of debt financing and securing an Aa1 credit rating has enabled new construction and renovation of facilities on all four campuses and the health system.

Krawitz presents workshops on higher education budgeting and finance for the American Council on Education and has authored papers on higher education budgeting, business process redesign and administrative streamlining. She has held leadership positions in the Association for Public and Land Grant Universities and the Council on Government Relations. In 2010, she received the National Association of College and University Business Officers Distinguished Business Officer Award. She serves on the Landmark Bank Board, Stephens College Board of Trustees, Ragtag Cinema Board and the Columbia, Mo., TIF Commission.

A member of the School of Accountancy Advisory Board, Krawitz team-teaches an advanced elective for master’s students in accountancy. She earned a bachelor of arts from Washington University in St. Louis in 1965, a master of arts from the Columbia University Teachers College in 1967 and a master of accounting degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1982.