Kenyon College, Chief Operating Officer

Roger Wakeman, former vice president for facilities and energy at Dartmouth College, joined Kenyon College as its inaugural chief operating officer on August 13, 2025. Working closely with the president and senior leadership, Wakeman will serve as an important partner in the strategic alignment and strong management of the College’s infrastructure and systems to support and enhance teaching, learning, research and the student experience. 

In a career spanning more than three decades, Wakeman has demonstrated a deep commitment to service, environmental stewardship and strategic operational and facilities leadership. At highly selective institutions of learning and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, he developed synergies between and among teams and functions that ensured effectiveness and efficiency for all. While promoting major advancements in the use of technology tools for asset management, planning and workflow, Wakeman oversaw the implementation of a $1 billion energy transition program and a $500 million undergraduate housing development at an Ivy League school. He has also worked with advancement teams and donors on philanthropic initiatives as part of large capital campaigns and created collaborative connections with union workforces. 

Prior to joining Dartmouth College, Wakeman held positions of increasing responsibility in the facilities and planning offices at Phillips Exeter Academy, Hamilton College and Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vermont. He served in the civil engineer corps of the U.S. Navy and earned a master’s degree from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Daniel Rodas led this search with Amble Ryan and Nicole Sancilio.