Johnson & Wales University names Joseph Greene, Providence campus president, to lead major new initiatives

Johnson & Wales University announced that Joseph Greene M.S., CPA has been named the next president of the Providence Campus. Greene, who currently serves as the university’s Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, will begin serving in time for the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.

“I am pleased to appoint Vice Chancellor Greene as the next President of the JWU Providence Campus. He embodies the JWU spirit through-and-through and his understanding of complex operations complemented by his commitment to students and their academic success make him an ideal leader for the campus,” said Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D. “His deep knowledge of the university’s history will serve him well as he becomes the face of JWU Providence, a visible presence on campus and a prominent representative of our university in the Rhode Island and the New England community.”

JWU Coming Year Initiatives

In the coming year, JWU new initiatives including the launch of a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the start of three-year bachelor’s degrees and expanded access through the JWU Pledge, a financial aid program for eligible students. Greene will lead in all of these areas in partnership with other leaders on campus.

A 40-year set of experiences and success

Greene has served in key leadership roles across finance, campus facilities, operations, information technology, enrollment management, Auxiliary Services, and the online college for over 40 years, and has overseen the management of all aspects of a campus including buildings, budgets, and people.

Greene first came to JWU as an employee who was working his way through college, completing his associate’s degree from Community College of Rhode Island while working at JWU. When he learned about the tuition benefit for staff, Greene soon became a full time JWU employee, first as a mail clerk, then as an accounts-receivable clerk, followed by becoming a loan officer and staff accountant – all while pursuing his studies. Greene earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting as a first-generation college student at JWU’s Providence Campus.  After graduation, he worked for a local CPA firm and passed the CPA exam. In 1993, he returned to JWU as an accounting manager and earned a master’s degree in accounting.

Over the years, Greene was promoted to vice president of accounting services, served as the university controller, chaired the payroll committee, managed JWU’s banking relationships, began overseeing facilities management and finance, and eventually assumed the title of assistant treasurer and vice president of finance. He continued to grow professionally and to expand his authority and experience overseeing operations and facilities in addition to finance.  In 2019, he was appointed vice chancellor of finance & administration, leading several areas of the university operations, including finance, enrollment management, online administration, information technology, campus facilities, and auxiliary services.

In 2022, he was elected as commissioner for the New England Commission of Higher Education for a three-year term, a distinct honor for the university. He recently began his second three-year term on the Commission. He serves locally as a member of the board of directors for both The Providence Foundation and has served on the Providence Downtown Improvement District and serves on several prominent local boards. He will retain his current responsibilities as Vice Chancellor along with Providence Campus President.

“I have been with JWU for nearly my entire career, giving me a unique perspective as a staff member, student, and later a parent,” Greene said. “I am grateful for the opportunity presented by this new challenge and look forward to continuing to build on the groundbreaking programs that are already underway.”

About JWU

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, and health and wellness. It also offers undergraduate programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design. JWU’s unique model provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 125 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.

Photo: Johnson & Wales