Limestone Names Interim Vice President For Financial Affairs

Charles Wyatt
Limestone Names Interim Vice President For Financial Affairs

Wayde Dawson, a certified public accountant for the past 27 years, has been promoted to Interim Vice President for Financial Affairs at Limestone College.

During the past six years as Limestone’s Controller, Dawson has worked closely with administration to improve the financial reporting of the College.

Dave Rilling, Limestone’s long-time Vice President for Financial Affairs, retired in December of 2015.

Earning a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dawson received his master’s in Accountancy from Gardner-Webb University. During his 16-year career in higher education, he has engaged in audits for 14 different colleges and universities.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to work at an institution with such a rich history and tradition of excellence,” Dawson said. “Making this transition and stepping into Dave Rilling’s shoes, after his long and successful Limestone career, will certainly be a challenge that I will embrace.” 

Dawson was involved in the interpretation and development of the Strategic Initiative model at Limestone which led to the College adding intercollegiate football, marching band, dance squad, competitive cheerleading, and the McMillan Scholars program for young women. He has also worked closely on various projects with Limestone’s Athletics, Financial Aid, Information Technology, and Online & Evening departments.

Dawson’s duties will include providing financial analysis, planning and management of the college's resources to facilitate and support its mission and strategic plan; developing operating and capital budgets and guiding College investments and endowment; leading the managers responsible for the business and human resources offices, and overseeing campus security, the bookstore, food service, and the physical plant; serving as an administrative liaison to the finance, investment, and audit committees of the Board of Trustees, as well as the buildings and grounds committee; and communicating with the College community on finance and business affairs.

“Wayde has experience managing diverse and complex programs, and a proven track record as a team leader,” said Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin. “I have been impressed with his character and I am confident that in his expanded role he will relate well with other administrators as well as the College’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students. We are fortunate to have such a combination of professional expertise and strong personal fit.”