Dear Colleagues,
I write today to share that Robert J. Shea, Jr., vice chancellor for finance and administration, will retire from UNC Greensboro at the end of December.
Since joining our leadership team in May 2020, Bob has provided steady, principled guidance through a period of extraordinary complexity. His leadership has been defined not only by deep expertise, but also by his resilience and willingness to make the difficult decisions that strong leaders must face. From finance and budget to endowment management, human resources, risk and emergency management, planning, construction, and campus police, Bob has approached each responsibility with clarity, conviction, and a focus on ensuring UNCG’s long-term financial stability. In every sense, he was the right leader at the right time.
Bob brought to UNCG a distinguished record of service and leadership in higher education and beyond. Prior to his work here, he held senior positions at the National Association of College and University Business Officers, Elon University, and the Community College of Rhode Island. He has been a respected voice on strategy, leadership, and the business model of higher education, sharing insights at national and international forums. His resolve in confronting challenges has been matched by his dedication to building sustainable solutions. Importantly, the work he has led at UNCG, particularly in navigating financial and organizational challenges, has positioned us as a model for other campuses facing similar pressures.
A retired U.S. Navy captain, Bob served for 25 years across the globe, culminating his military career with three years on the faculty at the Naval War College. That experience has been evident throughout his work at UNCG. His journey from first-generation college student to naval officer and senior university leader exemplifies the grit and determination that have guided his life of service.
On a more personal note, I will miss Bob’s unfiltered honesty, his dry humor, and the candor he brought into every room. Those qualities, combined with his fortitude and insight, made him an invaluable colleague and counselor.
On behalf of the entire University, I want to thank Bob for his leadership, his toughness in navigating complex issues, and his lasting contributions to UNCG. In the coming weeks, I will keep the campus community informed about next steps and the process to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.
Please join me in congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him and his family much happiness in this next chapter.
Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr.