Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Gwendolyn M. Kea as the Vice President for Business and Administration, effective July 11, 2022. With a rich background spanning nearly 15 years in for-profit, nonprofit, and higher education administration, Ms. Kea brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.
As the Vice President for Business and Administration, Ms. Kea will oversee a wide array of critical functions at SAU, including auxiliary enterprises, university budgets, capital and financial planning, accounting, purchasing, student accounts, facilities management, central receiving, and treasury operations. Her comprehensive portfolio underscores the vital role she will play in shaping the university’s financial strategy and operational efficiency.
Ms. Kea’s career journey leading up to this appointment has been marked by impressive achievements and leadership roles. Prior to joining SAU, she served as the Director of Finance at the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) in Raleigh, where she spearheaded financial planning, managed HR functions, and supervised the financial office staff. Her proficiency in financial operations and organizational management played a pivotal role in SEANC’s success.
Before her tenure at SEANC, Ms. Kea held the position of Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Shaw University. In this role, she was a key member of the President’s Executive Council, contributing to decision-making, policy formulation, and strategic direction discussions. Her prior roles include serving as Controller at Shaw University and at GeoCapital Partners, LLC, in Durham, NC. Ms. Kea is also the President and Owner of Premier Tax & Accounting Group, where she has managed financial divisions for Domestic and Foreign Venture Capital Funds.
SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail expressed her confidence in Ms. Kea’s appointment, stating, “Ms. Kea is an experienced and enthusiastic finance professional with a proven track record. I have confidence that Gwen is the right person to lead the university’s business and administration division by formulating policies that ensure university sustainability.”
Ms. Kea’s achievements extend to higher education, where she has provided leadership in financial statement audits, budgeting processes, and the development of policy and procedure manuals. Her expertise also includes financial statement preparation and site visit preparation for accreditation bodies such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Upon her appointment, Ms. Kea shared her excitement about joining SAU and working alongside faculty, students, and staff to strengthen the university’s business operations under Dr. McPhail’s visionary leadership. Ms. Kea’s passion for advancing the university’s mission and her dedication to financial stewardship make her a valuable addition to the SAU community.
Gwendolyn M. Kea is a distinguished alumna of Shaw University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She furthered her education by completing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Strayer University. Ms. Kea, a native of Philadelphia, PA, is an active member of esteemed professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the National Society of Accountants (NSA), and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
As SAU continues to advance its mission of academic excellence and growth, the appointment of Gwendolyn M. Kea as Vice President for Business and Administration is a testament to the university’s commitment to strong leadership and effective financial management. Her tenure promises to be a significant and transformative chapter in SAU’s journey towards a brighter future.