We knew we wanted an academic leader with previous

experience as a public university president and a proven record of leading change during challenging times. -Board Chair Glenn McCall

On Feb. 18, members of Winthrop’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected Edward A. Serna ’02 as Winthrop’s 12th president. He will succeed President George W. Hynd who has served in an interim role for more than two years.

Serna is currently serving as the 15th president of the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). He arrived at UMF in 2019 after serving as interim chancellor at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS). His work at UAFS, a public, four- year university with an enrollment of 6,600 students and an annual budget of $80 million, included leading initiatives focused on student success, student retention, and data-driven innovation.

Serna noted that he is excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead his alma mater. “My experience at Winthrop is what drove me to change careers to serve public higher education. The opportunity to return to a campus community that made such a profound difference in my life is truly a blessing,” he said. “Lauren, the girls, and I can’t wait to get to Rock Hill and meet the community this summer.”

After working as a senior business analyst and strategic management consultant in the private sector, Serna entered higher education as an assistant professor of management in Athens State University’s College of Business. Prior

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to serving as interim chancellor at UAFS, he was chief of staff and associate vice chancellor for external funding and chief of staff and vice chancellor for strategic initiatives.

Serna was chosen from a diverse applicant pool, which included sitting presidents, provosts, and other educational leaders. The Board of Trustees acted as the Presidential Search Committee, led by Julie Fowler ’85, ’88. Board Chair Glenn McCall guided trustees in deliberations on three finalists, which resulted in the selection of Serna.

“We knew we wanted an academic leader with previous experience as a public university president and a proven record of leading change during challenging times,” McCall said. “Dr. Serna is well positioned to undertake the presidency at a critical time in Winthrop’s history. His commitment to strategic planning, data-informed choices and partnerships aligns with the Board’s expectations for Winthrop’s future as the top choice for well-qualified students seeking higher education opportunities that will enrich their lives and prepare them to meet the needs and challenges of the contemporary world.”

Serna spent time on campus in early February and interviewed with the Board of Trustees, the Presidential Search Advisory Group, vice presidents, deans, students, faculty and staff lead- ership, community leaders and Winthrop Foundation leader- ship. His selection concluded an eight-month search that the board undertook with the assistance of Myers McRae, a Georgia-based higher education consulting firm.

Serna will assume the presi- dency and join the Winthrop community on July 1. He and his family, wife Lauren and daugh- ters Anna Kate (12) and Caroline (7), will reside in the President’s House on campus.

MORE ABOUT DR. SERNA

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• Was a non- traditional student at Winthrop who came under the former New Start Program.

• Hobbies include cooking to Spanish guitar music; trying new foods; traveling; hiking; enjoying all things Star Wars.

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Excited to have his daughters, Anna Kate and Caroline, experience life on the Winthrop campus.

Watch a recent CN2 interview with Serna.

My experience at Winthrop is what drove me to change careers to serve public higher education.

-President-Elect Edward A. Serna

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