Edward A. Serna ’02 became the 12th president of Winthrop University on July 1, 2022.
Upon his acceptance of the appointment, Serna commented, “My experience at Winthrop is what drove me to change careers to serve public higher
education. The opportunity to return to a campus community that made such a profound
difference in my life is truly a blessing.”
Prior to his appointment, Serna served as president of the University of Maine at Farmington where he was a strategic consensus builder who successfully led the institution into its most significant academic transformation in nearly two decades. He left Farmington a university better positioned for success due to robust institutional planning, data-driven decision-making and a wide range of partnerships, all strategies he employs in his leadership of Winthrop.
Serna previously served as interim chancellor at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. His work at UAFS included leading initiatives focused on student success, student retention, and innovation.
He received a doctorate of education in higher education from the University of Alabama, a Master of Science in management information systems from Auburn University, a Master of Science in industrial management from Clemson University, and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Winthrop.
After working as a senior business analyst and strategic management consultant in the private sector, Serna entered higher education as an assistant professor of management in Athens State University’s College of Business. Prior to serving as interim chancellor at UAFS, he was the chief of staff and associate vice chancellor for external funding and chief of staff and vice chancellor for strategic initiatives.
Serna is a board member of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation, the Arts Center at Fountain Park, Westminster Towers, and the Foundation of the Carolinas.
He and his family, wife Lauren and daughters Anna Kate and Caroline, reside in the President’s House on campus.
