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Southwestern University Welcomes Richard W. Schweigert as Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration
Schweigert brings more than 30 years of executive leadership in higher education finance, administration, and government relations, with a record of strengthening financial stability, driving operational efficiencies, and developing innovative revenue strategies.
August 19, 2025
August 19, 2025
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Rich Schweigert will begin his tenure as Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration on Wednesday, August 20. Schweigert brings more than 30 years of executive leadership in higher education finance, administration, and government relations, with a record of strengthening financial stability, driving operational efficiencies, and developing innovative revenue strategies.
Most recently, Schweigert served as Interim Chief Financial Officer at The College of New Jersey, where he restructured operations, created long-term budget outlooks, monetized assets, and advanced real estate development strategies to address fiscal challenges. He has also held interim CFO roles at the University of Alaska System and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, implementing multi-year budget plans, asset monetization initiatives, and investment strategies to improve returns.
For more than a decade, Schweigert was Chief Financial Officer for the Colorado State University System, overseeing a $1.5 billion operation, launching CSU-Global Campus, and establishing corporate entities to expand revenue and research commercialization. He also served concurrently as Government Relations Director, securing more than $2 billion in state funding. Earlier leadership roles include senior financial positions with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Mesa University, and the Colorado Department of Corrections.
“Rich brings the vision and experience to guide our finance and administration teams while identifying new opportunities for revenue growth,” said Southwestern University President Laura Skandera Trombley. “His track record in building sustainable, multi-year budget models will be instrumental in advancing Southwestern’s long-term goals.”