Johnson & Wales University Announces Joseph Greene as Providence Campus President

PROVIDENCE, RI — Johnson & Wales University named Joseph Greene the next president of its Providence Campus.

Greene, who currently serves as the university’s Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, will take the helm 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," said Chancellor Mim L. Runey. "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.”

A member of the JWU community for more than 40 years, Greene has served in leadership roles across finance, campus facilities, operations, information technology, enrollment management, Auxiliary Services and the online college.

He 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. In 2019, he was appointed vice chancellor of finance & administration.

In 2022, he was elected commissioner for the New England Commission of Higher Education for a three-year term. 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 Downtown Improvement District, and serves on several 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.”