Rush Sherman

Dr. J. Rush Sherman is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in strategic financial management, operational leadership and institutional growth. He currently serves as Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer at Campbellsville University, where he combines his expertise in finance and higher education leadership to drive innovation and sustainability.

Rush holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration (HSA) and an MBA in Finance from Bellarmine University. In 2022, he completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) at Spalding University, focusing on strategic finance in higher education.

Rush’s career began in healthcare, fueled by a passion for community service. At Baptist Healthcare Systems in Louisville, a 1,500-bed acute care facility and one of Kentucky’s largest not-for-profit systems, he collaborated with the foundation president on grant and fundraising initiatives. He also worked alongside the Medical Director to develop and deliver behavioral health outreach programs, advancing community education.

While pursuing his MBA, Rush deepened his expertise in healthcare finance. At Caretenders (now Almost Family, AFAM), he contributed to acquisition and market expansion projects. At Humana, he developed and implemented an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) system, enabling precise allocation of administrative costs across various insurance products. These roles positioned him as a trusted partner to corporate executives and strategic decision-makers.

Recognizing his financial acumen, the CFO of ResCare Inc. (RSCR) brought Rush on board through a Board member’s recommendation. At ResCare, he revolutionized the financial planning process, cutting the annual budgeting cycle by four months. Over 15 years, his responsibilities expanded to managing the general ledger accounting system, overseeing financial projections, and delivering strategic reports to the Executive Team and Board of Directors.

In December 2015, Rush transitioned to higher education as Chief Financial Officer at Spalding University. Leveraging his healthcare growth experience, he led the institution through critical milestones, including its 10-year reaffirmation process (SACSCOC), institutional recapitalization and the introduction of new academic programs and partnerships. His leadership fortified the university’s financial position by building cash reserves and reducing debt.

In April 2022, Rush became Vice President, CFO and Treasurer at Georgetown College. Under his financial stewardship, the College achieved a historic milestone in 2024 by eliminating nearly $30 million in debt – the largest fundraising project in its nearly 200-year history. He also spearheaded strategic initiatives to expand educational offerings aligned with community needs.

As Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer at Campbellsville University, Rush applies his extensive experience to advance the institution’s mission of faith-based education and community service. With a focus on strategic finance and operational excellence, he is committed to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing student success and building partnerships that align with workforce development needs. His leadership continues to strengthen the university’s financial foundation and ensure its long-term viability in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.