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.

President Paino explained, “Craig’s experience in the private sector can bring added value to UMW as we collectively navigate the University through a time of great change and a challenging market.” Read more.

The University of Mary Washington is a premier, selective public liberal arts and sciences university in Virginia, highly respected for its commitment to academic excellence, strong undergraduate liberal arts and sciences program, and dedication to life-long learning. The university, with a total enrollment of about 4,000, features colleges of business, education and arts and sciences, and three campuses, including a residential campus in Fredericksburg, Va., a second one in nearby Stafford and a third in Dahlgren, Va., which serves as a center of development of educational and research partnerships between the Navy, higher education institutions and the region’s employers.