Roger Williams University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

Leadership Roles at Roger Williams University

  • Executive VP, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Gloria Arcia
  • Director, Design & President - Noah Ellingwood
  • Barbershop Club President - Jaden Torres
  • President - Lauren Higgins
  • President - Ronald Champagne
  • President, Women's Law Society - Lauren Broccoli
  • 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 fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing budget allocation, capital investments, and endowment management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the core academic mission. This role involves rigorous financial reporting and risk assessment to maintain institutional stability across the Bristol and Providence locations. By optimizing operational expenditures, Gloria Arcia drives efficiency and supports the expansion of campus facilities and academic programs. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board of Trustees to align financial strategies with the strategic vision of the university. Through disciplined fiscal oversight and strategic resource management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the university to continue providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences in the evolving landscape of American higher education.
    Gloria Arcia

    Noah Ellingwood - Director, Design & President

    Noah Ellingwood, the Director, Design & President at Roger Williams University, leads specialized creative initiatives and student-focused leadership programs. Overseeing the design strategy for campus aesthetics and academic environments, the Director, Design & President ensures that physical spaces reflect the innovative spirit of the institution. This role involves integrating design thinking into administrative projects to improve student engagement and campus functionality. By fostering a culture of leadership among the student body, Noah Ellingwood drives initiatives that enhance the overall campus experience. The Director, Design & President coordinates with facilities and academic departments to ensure that design projects align with the university mission of providing a transformative learning environment. Through the application of design principles to institutional challenges, the Director, Design & President contributes to the development of a cohesive and inspiring campus identity that supports the academic and personal growth of the entire university community.

    Jaden Torres - Barbershop Club President

    Jaden Torres, the Barbershop Club President at Roger Williams University, manages student-led extracurricular activities that enrich the campus cultural life. Overseeing club operations, membership recruitment, and event planning, the Barbershop Club President ensures that students have access to diverse artistic and social opportunities. This role involves coordinating performances and collaborative projects that foster community spirit and student engagement. By facilitating leadership development within the club, Jaden Torres drives the growth of student-led initiatives that complement the academic experience. The Barbershop Club President works closely with student affairs to ensure that all activities align with university policies and contribute to a vibrant campus environment. Through the promotion of musical excellence and collaborative teamwork, the Barbershop Club President enhances the social fabric of the university, providing students with meaningful outlets for creative expression and personal development outside the classroom.

    Lauren Higgins - President

    Lauren Higgins, the President at Roger Williams University, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic leadership of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of long-term goals, the President ensures that the university maintains its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. This role involves engaging with external stakeholders, alumni, and the broader community to advance the institutional mission. By fostering partnerships and securing resources, Lauren Higgins drives the growth of academic programs and campus infrastructure. The President collaborates with the Board of Trustees and executive leadership to navigate the complexities of the higher education sector. Through decisive leadership and a focus on student outcomes, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in providing high-quality education. Lauren Higgins maintains a steadfast focus on innovation and academic rigor, positioning the university for continued success and impact within the competitive landscape of American higher education.

    Ronald Champagne - President

    Ronald Champagne, the President at Roger Williams University, manages specific institutional governance and academic policy development. Overseeing the alignment of curriculum standards with professional market demands, the President ensures that academic programs remain relevant and impactful. This role involves leading faculty initiatives and promoting research excellence across all departments. By championing academic freedom and scholarly inquiry, Ronald Champagne drives the intellectual development of the student body. The President works with administrative leaders to optimize operational processes and enhance the student experience on both the Bristol and Providence campuses. Through the promotion of a culture of academic integrity and excellence, the President supports the university mission of preparing students for professional success. Ronald Champagne provides the necessary guidance to ensure that the institution continues to deliver high-quality education while adapting to the changing needs of the global academic community.

    Lauren Broccoli - President, Women's Law Society

    Lauren Broccoli, the President, Women's Law Society at Roger Williams University, leads professional development and advocacy initiatives for students within the legal studies program. Overseeing networking events, mentorship programs, and guest speaker series, the President, Women's Law Society ensures that members gain valuable insights into the legal profession. This role involves fostering a supportive community that empowers students to excel in their academic and career pursuits. By coordinating with faculty and legal practitioners, Lauren Broccoli drives initiatives that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. The President, Women's Law Society manages organizational resources and outreach efforts to increase the visibility and impact of the society. Through the promotion of leadership and professional excellence, the President, Women's Law Society contributes to the overall success of the university legal programs, preparing students for meaningful careers in the field of law.

    Richard Hale - Chief of Staff

    Richard Hale, the Chief of Staff at Roger Williams University, coordinates high-level administrative operations and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Managing complex institutional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between departmental goals and the broader academic mission. This role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance operational efficiency across the Bristol and Providence campuses. By providing critical support to the university administration, Richard Hale drives the execution of strategic initiatives that define the institutional trajectory. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous oversight of organizational workflows, ensuring that administrative functions support the overarching educational objectives. Through proactive management of cross-functional priorities, the Chief of Staff fosters a cohesive environment that enables the university to deliver high-quality learning experiences while maintaining fiscal and operational integrity within the competitive landscape of American higher education.

    Laura Baldwin - Chief Marketing Officer

    Laura Baldwin, the Chief Marketing Officer at Roger Williams University, directs all brand strategy and institutional communications to elevate the university profile. Overseeing comprehensive recruitment campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the unique value proposition of the coastal and urban campuses reaches prospective students globally. This leadership role involves managing digital presence, public relations, and market positioning to drive enrollment growth. By analyzing demographic trends and educational market shifts, Laura Baldwin optimizes outreach efforts to attract diverse talent. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with academic departments to showcase research achievements and student success stories, reinforcing the reputation of the institution. Through data-driven marketing initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer secures a strong competitive advantage, ensuring that the university remains a premier choice for students seeking rigorous academic programs and professional development opportunities.
    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, architects the talent management strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing faculty and staff recruitment, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the university attracts and retains top-tier academic and administrative professionals. This role involves developing comprehensive benefits programs, professional development pathways, and workplace policies that foster an inclusive environment. By aligning human capital strategies with the institutional mission, Thomas McDonough drives organizational performance and employee engagement across all campuses. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages complex labor relations and compliance requirements, ensuring that the university operates within legal and ethical standards. Through the implementation of innovative talent acquisition and retention frameworks, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the university workforce, ultimately enhancing the quality of education provided to the student body.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Noah Ellingwood (Director, Design & President) 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), Noah Ellingwood (Director, Design & President), 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, Director, Design & President, Barbershop Club President, President, President.