Dr. Lillian Wanjagi has been named as Southern Connecticut State University’s new Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer, following a national search for this critical senior leadership role.
“Lillian’s innovative skills and experience overseeing complex operations will serve Southern well,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, interim president of Southern. “She is eager to invest her talents in our transformative vision for our scholars and our community. Her strategic leadership will be instrumental as we continue to maximize the efficiency of our processes and enhance our institutional operations.”
Wanjagi brings to Southern more than 18 years of extensive experience in finance and operations within higher education. Throughout her career, she has established a proven track record in budget and fiscal management, facilities operations, capital project management, procurement, HR management, and technology integration.
She will join Southern from her current role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice Chancellor for Business & Finance at Fayetteville State University (FSU) in Fayetteville, N.C., where she oversees a $220 million-plus construction and major renovation program and guides the development and execution of the university’s financial strategy. Prior to her time at FSU, Wanjagi served as CFO and Vice President for Finance and Administration at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., and as Executive Director of Facilities Administration at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. At MD Anderson, she led the implementation of IBM’s Maximo Integrated Workplace Management System (WMS) for more than 20,000 users.
“Lillian’s background in overseeing significant financial strategies and operational systems makes her a tremendous asset to Southern,” Smith said. “Her leadership aligns perfectly with our goals of enhancing fiscal responsibility, improving operational efficiency, and fostering a supportive environment for our scholars and staff.”
She will begin her new role on January 24, 2025.
