I am writing today to share important leadership announcements that reflect Winthrop’s ongoing commitment to excellence, strategic momentum, and continuity of leadership within the Division of Finance and Business Affairs.
Effective October 1, I am excited to share that I have appointed Jennifer (Jenni) Lewis as Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs/CFO while Kevin Butler takes a step back after 2+ years in the position.
Jenni joined Winthrop as Associate Vice President for Fiscal Services on July 1, 2024. She came to us at a difficult time as Justin Oates resigned as vice president for the division and Kevin agreed to a new scope of consultancy work rather than the mentorship and guidance he was envisioned to provide Justin. Jenni took on a division that had struggled with morale under previous leadership, had numerous vacancies, and lacked vision to support employee satisfaction and development. She was a quick study to learn the back-office operations of Winthrop and was able to lead the financial close for FY2024, including the drafting of financial reports and managing the audit for the previous fiscal year. She then guided the university's response to an adverse procurement audit and implemented immediate corrective actions.
In two years, Jenni has worked incredibly hard to learn public higher education under Kevin's daily leadership and guidance. She has built an effective team of seasoned and new to Winthrop professionals, joined the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), realigned the service areas within the division, led recent successful audits and budget planning sessions, brought the Business Center concept to life, and impressed her team, the Cabinet and board leadership with her financial acumen and creative problem solving.
As a result of these impressive achievements and my full confidence in her talents and abilities, Jenni will take the divisional reins from Kevin as he moves into a part-time, nine-month consultancy as a special adviser to me for management of our large capital projects--the new residence hall, real estate development with WUREF, and the Fort Mill instructional site. A search will commence immediately for Jenni’s replacement. You can read more about Jenni's background in the news release below.
I am pleased with how these two incredible professionals have brought stability and positive strategic focus to the Division of Finance and Business Affairs, allowing us to continue our positive momentum and improve our institutional bottom line. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to Winthrop University’s mission are deeply valued, and I look forward to their continued contributions. I expect a smooth transition in the coming months, and I hope you will congratulate Jenni and Kevin and the entire finance and business affairs team when you see them around campus.
Winthrop Ever Stand,
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
Jennifer Lewis Named Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs/CFO
Jennifer (Jenni) Lewis has been named Winthrop University’s vice president for finance and business affairs/CFO, effective Oct. 1. The role is a promotion from her previous position as the university’s associate vice president for fiscal services/controller.
As associate vice president, Lewis oversaw nearly 25 employees who work in budget services, student financial services and cashiers, procurement and insurance, accounts payable, accounting services and payroll.
Her experience and enthusiasm are the perfect mix to lead and continue to advance financial sustainability at Winthrop, noted President Edward Serna ’02.
“In the last two years, Jenni has worked incredibly hard to learn public higher education. She has built an effective team of seasoned and new to Winthrop professionals, joined the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), realigned the service areas within finance and business affairs, led recent successful audits and budget planning sessions, brought the business center concept to life, and impressed her team, the cabinet and board leadership with her financial acumen and creative problem solving,” he said.
Lewis has prepared for her new role through two years of mentorship under Kevin Butler, who will transition from the vice presidency to a part-time, nine-month consultancy to manage Winthrop’s large capital projects.
“I am honored and excited to serve as Winthrop’s CFO and am grateful to President Serna, the Board of Trustees, and my colleagues on the cabinet for their confidence and support. I look forward to working collaboratively across the university to advance the priorities of Winthrop’s strategic plan, strengthen our business operations, and position the university for long-term financial success,” she said.
Lewis joined Winthrop in 2024 and brought with her more than 16 years in audit experience, including with Bank of America in the CFO Audit and Business Controls division. She also worked as an audit manager for Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP and CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
Lewis is a CPA and holds a master’s degree in accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science in business accounting from Montreat College.
For more information, please contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at longshawj@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2236.
