WHM Spotlight: Laura Baldwin

To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month and the remarkable women who help shape the Roger Williams University community, we’re introducing Laura Baldwin, Chief Marketing Officer.

Since joining RWU in 2023 as the university’s inaugural CMO, Baldwin has led the development of a unified marketing and communications strategy that elevates the university’s brand while strengthening how its story is told across platforms. Her work focuses on aligning institutional priorities, amplifying student and faculty experiences, and positioning RWU in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my work at RWU has been bringing students directly into marketing and communications – both in the classroom and through hands-on roles within our team."

In her role, Baldwin brings deep expertise in brand development, creative direction, and strategic communications. Prior to RWU, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arcadia University, where she led a comprehensive rebrand, major website redesign, and integrated campaigns that expanded the institution’s visibility and reach.

At RWU, Baldwin has played a key role in advancing the university’s “Powerful Combinations” brand, helping to articulate the distinct value of an education that blends academic rigor with real-world experience. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration across campus and a commitment to creating meaningful, authentic connections with students and the broader RWU community.

Baldwin holds an MBA from Arcadia University and a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University, grounding her work in both strategic insight and creative practice.

Fun Facts About Laura

• She’s a lifelong sports fan who grew up playing soccer and basketball and now follows Crystal Palace with unwavering loyalty.
• She hopes to attend the World Cup in the near future.
• She’s a mom of two and brings that same energy and balance into her leadership style.

In Her Own Words

Tell us about your role at RWU and what leadership looks like in your work.

For me, leadership in the CMO role is a balance of strategy and partnership. On one side, I’m focused on positioning RWU to strengthen enrollment, reputation, and community impact – understanding trends, how students make decisions, and ensuring our marketing aligns with where the university is headed.

Just as important is the collaborative side. The best work happens when you’re connected to what’s happening across campus – faculty, students, admissions, advancement – and my role is often about bringing those perspectives together and shaping them into a clear, compelling direction.

At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of the RWU brand in a way that feels authentic and allows people to see themselves in it.

What does it mean to you to be a woman leader at RWU?

Being a woman in leadership has shaped how I show up – both in my work and in how I support others.

My career has always been centered on building connections and expanding access to opportunity, and that carries through in how I lead. I value listening, collaboration, and creating space for others to contribute. I want my team to feel supported, confident, and able to see their ideas make a real impact.

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you, and what do you give that helps others gain opportunity?

One of the most rewarding parts of my work at RWU has been bringing students directly into marketing and communications – both in the classroom and through hands-on roles within our team.

This is a field you learn by doing. Over the past few years, we’ve expanded our internship and work-study opportunities, with more than a dozen students now contributing to MarCom and Events. They’re gaining real experience, building portfolios, and developing connections that carry beyond graduation.

For me, that’s what “Give to Gain” looks like – creating opportunities for students to learn in real time, and then watching them step into their careers with confidence.

When you reflect on the journey that brought you to RWU, what experiences most prepared you for the work you’re doing now?

One of the most defining moments in my early career came from a simple decision to take initiative.

I was working remotely in a coffee shop when someone left behind a bag of muffins. The shop owner mentioned they belonged to a vice president at a local university – somewhere I had been watching for job opportunities. I offered to return them, went home to change, printed my resume, and delivered both to his office.

I started working there two weeks later.

That experience stayed with me. It reinforced the importance of being proactive, taking chances, and recognizing that opportunities don’t always arrive in expected ways.

What advice would you offer to students or early-career professionals stepping into leadership?

Building and shaping your network is one of the most important investments you can make in your future.

Stay connected to people you meet along the way. Keep those relationships active, and don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and use your network when you need it.

Opportunities often come through people – and the connections you build over time matter more than you might realize.