April 20, 2024

New Finance Vice President Brings Experience, Passion to UMW

Craig Erwin will succeed Paul Messplay as vice president for administration and finance.

Craig Erwin will succeed Paul Messplay as vice president for administration and finance.

It wasn’t just the University of Mary Washington campus in its autumn colors or its status as a premier public liberal arts and sciences institution that persuaded Craig Erwin to accept the position of vice president for administration and finance.

When Erwin came to interview from his home near Austin, Texas, he met campus constituents from President Troy D. Paino to faculty, staff and students – a welcoming and engaging process, he said, that impressed him with UMW’s quality of leadership and commitment to the future.

Even more compelling is the chance to join an institution where his skills and experience can truly make a difference. UMW’s next few years include plans for a $117 million theatre complex and other campus improvements. At the same time, the university is committed to keeping tuition and costs affordable, expanding student opportunities, and strengthening its financial reserves.

Erwin was identified through a national search to succeed Paul Messplay, who retires from the top financial role Jan. 20, 2023, after 15 years of distinguished service to UMW. “Paul has served this University exceedingly well and is leaving a great team for Craig,” noted President Paino.

Erwin will join Mary Washington on Jan. 10, 2023. He brings a strong background in higher education financial administration. Most recently he was vice president for finance and administration/chief financial officer of Southwestern University, a private liberal arts college in Georgetown, Texas. Read more.