Southwest Baptist University and President Dr. Rick Melson are excited to announce
the selection of Dr. Ken England as the university’s next Vice President of Finance
and Operations.
Dr. England brings 15 years of executive leadership in higher education to his new
role at SBU, where he will oversee university departments such as finance, accounting,
human resources, and facilities. He began his career at Samford University in Birmingham,
Alabama, rising to Assistant Dean of Administration before successive vice presidential
roles at Corning Community College, Agnes Scott College, and Spring Hill College.
“I’m deeply honored to join Dr. Melson and his leadership team at Southwest Baptist
University,” said Dr. England. “I have tremendous respect for the mission and vision
of SBU, and I’m excited to contribute to the University’s continued strength and impact.
My calling has always been rooted in Christian higher education, helping institutions
steward their resources wisely, operate with integrity, and create environments where
students can grow in faith, knowledge, and purpose.”
In his previous leadership roles, Dr. England has developed and managed multimillion-dollar
budgets of up to $55 million and endowments valued at more than $200 million. He has
been involved in campus master planning initiatives, including a $12 million renovation
at Agnes Scott. He has also emphasized stewardship and reversed financial challenges,
including reducing operating deficits by 40% in one year at Corning Community College.
He holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of Alabama, where his dissertation
was titled “Exploring Stakeholder Perceptions of Organizational Restructure in Advancement
Units of Higher Education.” He holds a Master of Science in Education from
Samford University, as well as a Bachelor of General Studies in Human Resource Development
from Samford.
“Dr. Ken England is a fantastic addition to our leadership team at SBU, where his
experience at other universities and passion for Christian higher education will build
upon the momentum we have established these past few years,” said Dr. Melson.
Dr. England, a native of Birmingham, is married to his wife Annie (whom he met while
a student at Samford). They have three daughters: Alexis (22), Addison (16) and Annalise
(15).