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Robert Watling, an experienced finance and operations leader who has spent more than 20 years in higher education, will join the �鶹�� as its executive vice president for finance and administration, pending approval from the board of trustees, the university announced Feb. 6. 

“I’m excited to welcome Robert Watling to �鶹��. He brings a wealth of experience in university finance and administration that will be invaluable to the university,” says �鶹�� President Elizabeth Chilton. “His impressive record of strategic financial planning, operations management, and collaboration makes him a strong fit for this role and for our community as we implement our One �鶹�� strategic plan.” 

Currently the vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer at the University of Dallas, Watling has led enterprise finance and administrative operations, overseeing budgeting, capital planning, and core operational functions while serving as a primary advisor to institutional leadership and the board of trustees. In that role, he focused on strengthening financial planning and governance, aligning budget decisions with enrollment and revenue trends, and supporting the university’s long-term financial sustainability. 

Watling cited �鶹��'s compelling mission and strategic direction as central to his interest in becoming a Wildcat. 

“I'm excited to join President Chilton and her leadership team at this pivotal moment for �鶹��,” Watling says. “�鶹��'s land, sea and space grant missions, its research ambitions, and its commitment to affordability resonate with my own values and experience. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and university partners to strengthen the financial foundation that supports student success and institutional growth.” 

At �鶹��, Watling will also oversee a division of more than 500 employees, including finance, facilities, hospitality and campus services, human resources, and the �鶹�� Police Department. 

“Robert brings the experience and judgment �鶹�� needs at this moment,” says Michael J. Pilot, chair of the �鶹�� System board of trustees, a member of the search committee, and a �鶹�� alumnus. “His background in university finance and operations and his inclusive leadership style position him well to support the institution’s strategic priorities.” 

Previously, Watling served as vice provost for academic resources at the University of North Texas and held senior finance and operations leadership positions at NC State University and Southern Methodist University. Across these roles, he has led complex budget and capital planning efforts, strengthened financial governance, and supported institutional priorities through more transparent and structured financial processes. 

“Robert’s experienced approach to financial leadership and his clear understanding of the importance of campus engagement will be important as �鶹�� continues its work to strengthen impact across New Hampshire,” says �鶹�� Vice President for Advancement Debbie Dutton, who chaired the search committee. 

Watling and his wife, Kelli, are long-distance runners and frequent participants in the Boston Marathon. The pair wed in Boston shortly after one of their races. He is a U.S. Army veteran, an experience Watling credits with informing his commitment to public service and leadership. The Watlings have a daughter, Alexandra.