Roger Williams University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Roger Williams University has 9 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial administration, marketing, human resources, and student organization governance.

Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, Roger Williams University provides transformative learning experiences across coastal and urban campuses to prepare students for professional success in a complex global landscape.

Leadership Roles at Roger Williams University

  • Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Gloria Arcia
  • President, Women's Law Society - Lauren Broccoli
  • Barbershop Club President - Jaden Torres
  • President - Lauren Higgins
  • President - Ronald Champagne
  • Director, Design & President - Noah Ellingwood
  • Chief of Staff - Richard Hale
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Laura Baldwin
  • Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer - Thomas McDonough
  • Gloria Arcia - Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Gloria Arcia, the Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Roger Williams University, manages the institution's fiscal health and long-term financial planning. Overseeing budget development, capital investments, and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains a sustainable economic foundation. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to align financial resources with academic priorities and infrastructure needs. By implementing rigorous auditing and reporting standards, Gloria Arcia promotes transparency and accountability across all departments. The Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and cost-containment strategies to support ongoing campus development. Through prudent fiscal management, Arcia enables the university to invest in faculty, facilities, and student services. This position requires deep analytical expertise to navigate the complexities of higher education finance while ensuring the institution remains competitive and financially resilient for future generations.
    Gloria Arcia

    Lauren Broccoli - President, Women's Law Society

    Lauren Broccoli, the President, Women's Law Society at Roger Williams University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on professional development and advocacy within the legal community. Overseeing the society's programming, the President facilitates networking opportunities and mentorship programs for law students. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and guest speaker events that address gender equity and career advancement in the legal profession. By fostering a collaborative environment, Lauren Broccoli empowers members to build essential skills and professional connections. The President, Women's Law Society coordinates with faculty advisors to ensure alignment with the university's academic mission and legal curriculum. Through active engagement with the student body, Broccoli promotes a culture of support and academic excellence. This position requires strong organizational capabilities to manage events and outreach efforts effectively. Ultimately, the President drives the society's impact by providing resources that prepare students for successful careers in law.

    Jaden Torres - Barbershop Club President

    Jaden Torres, the Barbershop Club President at Roger Williams University, directs the musical activities and organizational operations of the student performance group. Overseeing rehearsals, performance scheduling, and member recruitment, the Barbershop Club President ensures the group maintains high artistic standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to secure performance venues and funding for campus events. By fostering a creative and inclusive environment, Jaden Torres encourages musical growth and collaboration among members. The Barbershop Club President manages the group's repertoire and public outreach to enhance the university's cultural presence. Through consistent practice and performance, the club contributes to the vibrant student life on campus. This position requires dedication to both musical excellence and administrative coordination. Ultimately, the Barbershop Club President drives the group's success by building a cohesive team that enriches the artistic landscape of the university community.

    Lauren Higgins - President

    Lauren Higgins, the President at Roger Williams University, provides overarching leadership for the institution's academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of the university's strategic plan, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on student success and institutional growth. This leadership role involves engaging with external partners, donors, and the broader community to advance the university's mission. By fostering a culture of innovation and academic rigor, Lauren Higgins guides the institution through complex challenges in the higher education landscape. The President collaborates with the Board of Trustees to set long-term goals and ensure fiscal responsibility. Through effective communication and vision, Higgins inspires faculty, staff, and students to achieve excellence. This position requires a deep commitment to the university's values and a focus on maintaining its competitive edge. Ultimately, the President drives the institution's progress by aligning resources and talent with the core objective of providing a transformative education.

    Ronald Champagne - President

    Ronald Champagne, the President at Roger Williams University, directs the institution's operational strategy and academic development. Overseeing the university's commitment to community engagement and experiential learning, the President ensures that academic programs meet the evolving needs of the workforce. This leadership role involves managing institutional partnerships and expanding the university's reach across regional markets. By prioritizing student-centered initiatives, Ronald Champagne fosters an environment that supports academic achievement and personal development. The President works closely with the leadership team to optimize campus resources and enhance the overall student experience. Through strategic planning and execution, Champagne strengthens the university's reputation for excellence in higher education. This position requires a focus on long-term sustainability and the continuous improvement of educational outcomes. Ultimately, the President drives the institution's success by championing a vision that integrates academic rigor with practical application and community service.

    Noah Ellingwood - Director, Design & President

    Noah Ellingwood, the Director, Design & President at Roger Williams University, manages the creative direction of institutional projects while leading student-focused organizational initiatives. Overseeing the design standards for university communications, the Director, Design & President ensures visual consistency across all marketing materials. This leadership role involves coordinating with creative teams to produce high-quality content that reflects the university's brand identity. By integrating design principles with strategic messaging, Noah Ellingwood enhances the effectiveness of outreach campaigns. The Director, Design & President also leads student organizations, facilitating professional development and collaborative projects. Through this dual role, Ellingwood bridges the gap between administrative design needs and student-led initiatives. This position requires a blend of creative expertise and organizational leadership to manage diverse responsibilities effectively. Ultimately, the Director, Design & President drives the university's visual and organizational impact by fostering innovation and maintaining high standards in all creative and leadership endeavors.

    Richard Hale - Chief of Staff

    Richard Hale, the Chief of Staff at Roger Williams University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all administrative departments. Managing the flow of information to the president, Hale ensures alignment between institutional goals and daily operational execution. This role involves overseeing high-level projects that impact the university's strategic direction and internal efficiency. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of academic excellence. Richard Hale maintains close collaboration with the leadership team to address complex challenges and optimize resource allocation. Through rigorous oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff fosters a cohesive environment that promotes institutional growth. This position requires constant engagement with diverse stakeholders to maintain operational stability across the Bristol and Providence campuses. Ultimately, Hale drives the implementation of university-wide initiatives that enhance the overall student experience and institutional reputation.

    Laura Baldwin - Chief Marketing Officer

    Laura Baldwin, the Chief Marketing Officer at Roger Williams University, directs all branding, communications, and recruitment marketing strategies. Overseeing the university's public image, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across digital and traditional platforms to attract prospective students. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine the institutional value proposition within the competitive higher education sector. By leveraging data-driven insights, Laura Baldwin optimizes outreach efforts to increase enrollment and strengthen alumni engagement. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with academic departments to highlight unique programs and research opportunities. Through strategic brand positioning, Baldwin elevates the university's profile in both regional and national markets. This function requires constant adaptation to evolving media landscapes to maintain a strong competitive advantage. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the long-term visibility and reputation of the institution through innovative storytelling and targeted outreach campaigns.
    Laura Baldwin

    Thomas McDonough - Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Thomas McDonough, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Roger Williams University, directs talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the university attracts and retains high-caliber faculty and staff. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs and professional development initiatives that foster a supportive workplace culture. By implementing equitable compensation structures, Thomas McDonough promotes institutional fairness and compliance with labor regulations. The Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to address staffing needs and improve operational performance. Through proactive talent management, McDonough strengthens the university's capacity to deliver quality education. This position requires a focus on building an inclusive environment that aligns with the institution's core values. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational health by optimizing human capital and fostering employee engagement.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Roger Williams University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Roger Williams University?
    Roger Williams University is led by Gloria Arcia (Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Lauren Broccoli (President, Women's Law Society) and Jaden Torres (Barbershop Club President).
    Who is part of Roger Williams University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Roger Williams University includes leaders such as Gloria Arcia (Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer), Lauren Broccoli (President, Women's Law Society), Jaden Torres (Barbershop Club President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Roger Williams University have?
    Roger Williams University has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Roger Williams University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Roger Williams University includes roles such as Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer, President, Women's Law Society, Barbershop Club President, President, President.