Denise Watkins named vice president for finance and administration

Connecticut College has named Denise Watkins its next vice president for finance and administration. Watkins, currently assistant vice president of finance at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, will begin her new role Jan. 1, 2027.

Watkins brings to Conn more than 20 years of higher education finance experience, including leadership in institutional budgeting, financial reporting, compliance and administrative systems.

“Denise understands that strong financial leadership is about more than balancing budgets,” said Connecticut College President Andrea E. Chapdelaine. “Her deep experience with small, private colleges and collaborative approach will be valuable as we make strategic decisions that support our academic mission and the vibrant  future of the College. ”

At Randolph-Macon, where she has served since 2022, Watkins helped develop a five-year financial plan and led the implementation of a budgeting system that provides department managers with real-time financial information, improving transparency and supporting mission-driven financial decisions.

“I’m excited to join Connecticut College as vice president for finance and administration and look forward to stewarding resources in support of the College’s mission, such as supporting academic excellence and investing in opportunities that help every student thrive,” Watkins said. “I believe finance works best as a partner across campus. That starts with listening, understanding priorities and giving people the information they need to make informed decisions.”

Watkins also works with academic leaders, admissions, financial aid, advancement and athletics on institutional financial matters. She serves as the lead institutional contact for annual external financial audits and has supported the college’s board audit, finance and investment committees.

Before joining Randolph-Macon, Watkins spent more than 16 years at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, where she served as director of accounting. Her responsibilities included financial reporting, audits, internal controls, payroll and institutional compliance.

Watkins also brings experience in higher education accreditation. She served as a peer reviewer for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and participated in Hood College’s accreditation self-study process.

Watkins earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from Frostburg State University in Maryland.