Wilson College Names New Vice President for Finance and Administration

Wilson College has named Merlyn Cumberbatch, M.B.A., as vice president for finance and administration. Cumberbatch brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education finance, administration, strategic planning, and operations and will begin her role on Nov. 1.

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Cumberbatch joins Wilson from Cheyney University, where she served as vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer. In that role, she led the development and execution of the university's strategic financial plan and served as principal financial advisor to the president, executive leadership team, council of trustees, and chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Prior to joining Cheyney University, Cumberbatch served as chief financial and administrative officer for the Wilmington Housing Authority in Delaware and held senior leadership positions with Sodexo/SodexoMagic and Aramark, where she advised colleges and universities across North America, Canada, and Europe on finance, operations, capital projects, and long-term growth. 

“Merlyn brings an exceptional combination of financial expertise, strategic vision, and operational leadership to this role,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “Her extensive experience guiding complex organizations, strengthening financial operations, and aligning resources with institutional priorities will be invaluable as we continue advancing Wilson’s strategic goals and ensuring a strong future for the College.”

Reporting to the president, the vice president for finance and administration works closely with senior leaders, academic administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the Board of Trustees to support the College’s strategic priorities and oversee financial planning, budgeting, accounting, endowment management, risk management, and contract administration.

“I am energized by the opportunity to support and work in collaboration with President Fugate, the board of trustees, the senior leadership team, and the Wilson community,” said Cumberbatch. “The culture of commitment around strengthening Wilson’s financial, administrative, and operational muscles to the benefit of our students and the advancement of the College’s strategic plan really excites me.”

Cumberbatch holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and public relations, with a minor in accounting and business administration, from St. Thomas Aquinas College and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance and administration from New York University/St. Thomas Aquinas College. She also completed a global research fellowship in economics and accounting at Christ Church, University of Oxford, and has professional training and certifications in public accounting, financial planning, bookkeeping, real estate, project management, and Six Sigma methodologies.