Lebanon Valley College Selects Curtin as Vice President of Finance and Administration

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Shawn Curtin has been named vice president of finance and administration at Lebanon Valley College

ANNVILLE, PA (05/07/2014)(readMedia)-- Shawn P. Curtin, interim associate vice president for enrollment management and former assistant provost for administration at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, has been named vice president of finance and administration at Lebanon Valley College after an extensive national search. Curtin will assume his new responsibilities on July 1.

"I am delighted that Shawn Curtin will join us at Lebanon Valley College to oversee the areas of finance and administration. Shawn's experiences in the collegiate and corporate environments are important assets as the College launches a new strategic plan," said Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president. "I am very sure we have the best candidate and someone who will do a superb job at LVC."

Curtin brings extensive experience in financial management and budget development in higher education and the for-profit sector. At the University of the Sciences, he worked with 600 faculty in academic departments regarding budget forecasting, new course and program development, and budget and business planning. "Shawn's strategic and analytical financial skills as well as his hands-on experience in enrollment and financial aid at the University of the Sciences will benefit Lebanon Valley College," added Dr. Thayne.

"I was attracted by the excellent reputation of Lebanon Valley College with its exceptional faculty and talented students," said Shawn Curtin. "I see many opportunities for Lebanon Valley College, and I look forward to working with President Thayne and the entire community as the new strategic plan is launched."

"We had a rich pool of impressive candidates from across the United States, the breadth and depth of Shawn Curtin's professional experiences greatly impressed our search committee," said Steven O'Day, LVC special assistant to the president for innovative programming, and chair of the national search committee. "His leadership of several academic enterprises during his career-enrollment management, finance, academic affairs, and more-will provide a unique perspective."

Before serving as interim associate vice president for enrollment management, Curtin was the school's assistant provost for administration from 2008 through May 2013. He oversaw a $50 million operating budget and developed financial analyses, forecasts, and budgets for enrollment, financial aid, new programs, strategic partnerships, and efficiency initiatives. Curtin oversaw the financial and administrative functions for the Academic Affairs division and was the liaison to the chief financial officer, controller, human resources, and other key administrative departments.

As interim associate vice president for enrollment management at the University of the Sciences, Curtin filled a vacant executive role at the request of their president and led the admission and financial aid departments. He administered all undergraduate and graduate enrollment, financial aid, and recruitment marketing and communications. Curtin managed a $3 million operating budget, a $31 million financial aid budget, and a staff of 28 professionals. In this role, he oversaw a 142 percent increase in applications and implemented new student recruitment initiatives, including application generation, a new territory management plan, an increased use of analytics for targeting and efficiencies, and an increased use of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) student recruitment tool for efficient communications.

Curtin arrived at the University of the Sciences in 2001 as director of finance and operations for the university's for-profit Advanced Concepts Institute. He was promoted to executive director of the Advanced Concepts Institute in 2004 where he managed entrepreneurial activities for the university. Curtin collaborated with faculty and the private sector to develop sponsored research, consulting, and education services for external organizations.

Prior to joining the University of the Sciences, Curtin worked for several Maryland-based companies in roles ranging from director of finance and controller to senior financial manager/field analyst.

Curtin graduated from Towson University with a degree in accounting and earned his MBA from Villanova University. He serves the Villanova University Executive MBA Alumni Association as president of the board of directors and chair of the board's Education Committee. He has been a member of their board since 2012. He previously served as vice president of the board of directors for the Woodlands Trust and National Historic Cemetery (2006–2010). He and his wife, Lindsay, plan to reside in the Annville area.