Bob Shea, a senior fellow at the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), has been named to fill the new role of Associate Vice President for Business, Finance and Technology.
Gerald Whittington, senior vice president for Business, Finance, and Technology, announced the appointment Monday.
Shea, who will begin this new role March 1, 2017, will be tasked with overseeing and continuing to strengthen Elon’s financial and operational units as well as supporting senior staff and the Board of Trustees in financial and operational strategic planning and decision-making.
“We believe Bob will be a great asset to Elon University and his work here will be innovative, creative and supportive of our mission,” Whittington said in a statement. “We look forward to Bob joining our community and being a part of the continuing upward trajectory of the university."
Shea, a former Pentagon staffer and 25-year U.S. Navy veteran, earned an MBA from the College of William and Mary, a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the United States Naval War College and a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
In 2004, Shea began a career in education as he joined the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, as director of the Decision Making and Implementation Department. In 2007, he joined the Community College of Rhode Island as Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer, where he was responsible for seven departments that included 1,200 employees and a combined budget of $145 million.
“Elon’s commitment to the development of engaged global citizens and the education of mind, body and spirit differentiate it as a very special place,” Shea said in a statement. “I look forward to joining the team at Elon, which is devoted to student success, and I thank the university’s leadership for their confidence in me.”