UNE hires proven leader to fill role of senior VP of finance and administration

University of New England Jim Irwin

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The University of New England has hired an industry veteran to be the senior vice president of finance and administration.

Jim Irwin will succeed Phil Shapiro, interim senior vice president for finance and administration, on July 1.

Irwin brings nearly three decades of professional experience to UNE, having served in both corporate and higher education settings. He was for the past four years the chief financial offer and vice president for business and finance at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa.

At the Pennsylvania college, Irwin oversaw all operations, including creating a tuition project; a budget committee to ensure transparency; educating faculty and professional staff on key financial matters and contributing to the planning and execution of several diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Prior to joining Washington & Jefferson College, he held positions at Claremont Graduate University, the University of La Verne and LA Fitness International.

He holds a master’s in leadership and management from the University of La Verne, a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of California Riverside, and is a licensed CPA.

“In addition to his impressive qualifications, Jim is also a terrific person, and he impressed the senior leadership team and the search committee with his friendly and warm demeanor,” said UNE President James Herbert. “I would like to thank the search committee members who identified Jim and the UNE community members who shared their feedback throughout the search process. Through our collective efforts, we are bringing to UNE a seasoned professional who should be a real asset to the university for years to come.”

In his time as interim SVP, Shapiro led several important strategic initiatives that positioned the university for success. These include a comprehensive plan for managing cash reserves, accelerating key business workflow efficiencies, and partnering with human resources to address critical compensation issues.

Shapiro will stay on as associate vice president for finance and administration and chief investment officer following Irwin’s arrival.

UNE is the state’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, and offers a variety of other health care degree programs.

The university schools more than 6,500 students, including 2,300 on-campus undergraduates, 1,600 on-campus graduate students and 2,600 online students.

UNE was ranked No. 6 among Maine’s largest colleges and universities in the 2023 Mainebiz Book of Lists, based on full-time undergraduate enrollment as of fall 2022.