Jim Adkins has been appointed as Marymount University’s new Vice President for Finance and Operations & Treasurer. An accomplished executive, he has more than 22 years of experience in accounting and finance, including 17 years in higher education, and will hold a key seat on the President’s Cabinet.
In his role, Adkins will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of Marymount’s financial affairs, human resources, facilities, planning and operations, public safety and auxiliary services. Reporting directly to President Irma Becerra, he will administer the University’s resources with integrity and vision, helping guide Marymount through a period of impactful growth.
“Jim brings exceptional financial expertise, strategic insight and a deep understanding of complex university systems,” President Becerra said. “He is a collaborative and driven leader who understands how strong financial stewardship fuels academic excellence and student success. As Marymount continues to rise in prominence, I am confident that Jim’s vision and experience will help ensure our long-term sustainability while advancing our mission to prepare workforce-ready graduates.”
“I feel very blessed to have been chosen to take on this role and to have the opportunity to play a part in shaping the future of a mission-driven university like Marymount, during a time of transformational momentum,” Adkins added. “I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Adkins most recently served as vice president for financial services and operations at Prince George’s Community College, where he was the institution’s chief fiscal and administrative officer. He oversaw budget and finance, capital improvements, physical plant operations, campus police and auxiliary and event management services. Reporting to the president and serving as a member of the senior management team, he was responsible for developing the College’s financial management strategy, advising on strategic goals and implementing policies and procedures to strengthen fiscal stability and operational effectiveness.
Before that, Adkins spent six years as executive director of finance and chief business officer for the student affairs division at the University of Texas at Austin, where he led the strategic allocation and management of a $180 million budget spanning eight departments and approximately 1,000 employees. His earlier leadership roles include positions at Portland State University, Indiana University and Boise State University.
Throughout his career, Adkins has built a reputation as a strategic and nimble leader known for transparent and responsible financial management, strong internal controls and a collaborative approach to problem solving. He has led complex budgeting and forecasting efforts, strengthened compliance processes, guided capital planning initiatives and supported executive leadership teams in aligning financial strategy with institutional priorities.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have been able to work at some amazing campuses, and my understanding of higher education has been shaped by my experiences working at universities in different regions across the country,” Adkins explained. “This has given me a broad perspective and unique understanding of university systems, and has given me the vision and initiative I believe are necessary to take on this role.”
Adkins’s vision for Marymount includes leading efforts to assess existing revenue streams, developing new revenue sources, strengthening financial and operational processes and collaborating with academic leadership to boost student recruitment and retention. He also aims to optimize the procedures, policies and systems that ensure financial controls and regulatory compliance, as well as provide accurate reporting.
He holds a master’s degree in accounting from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Boise State University.
The national search for the position was chaired by Vice President for University Advancement Dennis Slon, and included trustee Courtney Spaeth, Vice President of Enrollment Management Evan Lipp, Vice President for Athletics and Student Life Jill McCabe and Interim Vice President for Finance & Operations Luther Griffith.
