Jolinda Wilson, vice president of administration and finance, has made a name for herself at Shippensburg University since the start of her academic journey and career. Wilson was the university’s first-ever doctoral student to graduate and has built an impressive background in finance and education. Now, she plays a significant role in the success of the university where it all started.
Wilson began her time at Ship as an undergraduate, where she prepared for her Certified Public Accountant(CPA) exam. “Because of the work that I did here at Ship, and through the efforts of the professors and the classes, I felt extremely well-prepared”, she recalled. The support that Ship provided her with gave her the foundation to thrive in a variety of professional fields.
Before entering education, Wilson came from a unique background, with experience in public accounting, IT and project management. From there, she dedicated over 20 years to K-12 public education. She served as a business administrator at Central Fulton School District from 2004 to 2012 and at Greencastle-Antrim School District from 2012 to 2019.
From 2019 to 2023, Wilson was at Penn State University, initially as the financial officer for student affairs and then as the senior director for administrative services. In these roles, she oversaw technology, marketing, communications, finance and student health insurance, managing a significant budget and working to find synergies and efficiencies within the university’s vast infrastructure.
“Every position I’ve had has majorly contributed to the professional that I am today”, Wilson noted.
Throughout Wilson’s career, her ties to Shippensburg University remained strong. In 2018, she defended her dissertation, becoming the first student to be awarded a doctorate from Ship. This turning point exemplified the university’s dedication to providing advanced educational opportunities within the state of Pennsylvania.
“Shippensburg has been there for every step of my career,” Wilson emphasized. From preparing her for her CPA exam in undergrad to developing her leadership abilities through Ship’s doctoral program, the university has been vital to her academic and professional accomplishments.
In 2023, Wilson accepted the position of vice president for administration and finance at Ship. In this role, she ensures the university’s financial sustainability. Her approach involves maintaining financial stability while continuing to provide high-quality educational opportunities.
Wilson described Shippensburg University as a family. “It’s a place where you can thrive, offering tons of opportunities,” she said. Her return to Ship shows her commitment to being a member of the university community where individuals can leave a recognizable impact.
Moving forward, Wilson strives to continue to lead Ship toward a sustainable financial future while also advocating for top-notch opportunities and resources. Her time as a dedicated student, the first-ever graduate of a doctoral program to now serving as a leader of the university, Wilson represents the great opportunities that Ship provides and how the university builds individuals from the ground up.