Manhattanville University Welcomes New Senior Vice President for Finance and Operational Innovation
PURCHASE, NY, July 2024 – Manhattanville University announced the appointment of Susan D. Williams, CPA, MBA, DBA as the new Senior Vice President for Finance and Operational Innovation. Williams is the first cabinet hire of Manhattanville's new President, Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., and will join Manhattanville in September.
Williams is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in higher education administration and finance. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Dowling College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Long Island University-C.W. Post, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New York.
Williams comes to Manhattanville from Molloy University (an independent college in Rockville Centre, NY, with more than 4,900 students), where she served as Vice President for Finance and Treasurer. During her tenure at Molloy University, Williams strengthened academic program budget processes, completed major building upgrades, led the Facilities Committee, facilitated the development of the Master Plan, and improved university-wide administrative processes.
In addition to her role at Molloy University, Williams previously served as Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Operating and Financial Officer at the University of Bridgeport as well as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Dowling College and Director of Financial Affairs at the Webb Institute. Williams has also served as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer at institutions such as Dowling College, Hofstra University, and the University of Bridgeport. She has presented at numerous conferences, covering topics such as strategic business opportunities, finance issues, and managing nonprofit boards and has served on several nonprofit boards, including the Developmental Disabilities Institute and the New York College of Health Professions.
Manhattanville University Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., praised Williams’ leadership abilities. “Susan Williams will be a tremendous asset to Manhattanville,” said Dr. Sánchez. “She understands the changing complexities of today’s higher education landscape and will play a key leadership role in modernizing the university to serve tomorrow's learners.”
Manhattanville Chief Information Officer James Russell led the national search for the university’s new Senior Vice President for Finance and Operational Innovation. “The Search Committee was impressed with Susan’s many qualifications, from her financial acumen to her ability to drive growth, collaborate across different departments, and proactively resolve issues,” said Russell. “I have no doubt that she will thrive at Manhattanville. This is a new, expanded role for the head of finance at Manhattanville and it addresses the need for innovation in higher education administration in today’s evolving landscape. The role is pivotal in executing President Sánchez’s ambitious vision for the university and it was an honor to contribute to this important effort.”
“I’m proud to be joining Manhatanville University,” said Williams. “ I am excited about the opportunity to drive innovation, operational excellence and work collaboratively with the community. Together we will pave the way for greater success and enhancing the Manhattanville experience. I plan to honor Manhattanville’s storied traditions while forging a bright new future.”
About Manhattanville University
Manhattanville University (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social justice. For three years in a row, “U.S. News and World Report” has ranked Manhattanville the number one private, non-profit institution in New York among Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its primarily residential and diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,300 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from over 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 22 NCAA Division III teams.
Contact:
Cara Cea, cara.cea@mville.edu, 914-323-1278 or 914-906-9680.
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