Roger Williams University has announced the appointment of alumna Heather Boujoulian ‘97 as the new chair of the Board of Trustees, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to serve in this role. Boujoulian, who has been a member of the Board since 2020, will succeed outgoing chair Tim Yeaton ’80.
Boujoulian’s appointment was celebrated by university leadership, with RWU President Ioannis Miaoulis expressing enthusiasm for her leadership. “Heather’s career and dedication to the core values of Roger Williams University make her exceptionally qualified to guide us into the future,” Miaoulis said in a university-wide communication.
As the Managing Director and Head of Development at Berkshire Residential Investments, Boujoulian brings extensive experience in managing large-scale investment portfolios and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Her work at Berkshire, a Boston-based real estate firm with $28.6 billion in assets under management as of June 2024, has made her a respected leader in the real estate industry.
Boujoulian, who was a first-generation college student at RWU, has remained actively involved with the university since her graduation. She has served on several advisory boards and was a past president of the RWU Alumni Association. Reflecting on her new role, she said, “I am honored to take on this role at such a transformative time for Roger Williams University. I look forward to working closely with the administration, faculty, and students to continue advancing RWU’s vision of providing high-quality, accessible education that prepares students to be global citizens and leaders,” she said in the same university-wide communication.
The university also expressed gratitude to Tim Yeaton for his leadership as outgoing Chair. Yeaton’s contributions will be remembered, including his work in helping to fund the Yeaton Professor of Finance and Director for the Center for Advanced Financial Education (CAFE), a legacy that will continue at RWU.
Boujoulian’s appointment signals a bright future for RWU as the university moves forward with new leadership at the helm.
