University of Illinois Facilities and Services

Dear Campus Community,

I am excited to share with you that Jenny Watkins has been named the director of Shared Administrative Services (SAS) beginning Monday, January 16. Jenny has done an outstanding job serving in an interim role since April 2021, helping the organization navigate the financial challenges and supply chain disruptions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic effectively. Among her many accomplishments in that period, she helped the unit ensure materials acquisition under unprecedented circumstances and expedited financial support for urgent efforts required to help protect campus learning and research environments.

Jenny joined our organization in 2013 as associate director of SAS and director of financial operations, where she has been critical to budget reporting, service rate review processes, and assistance for F&S capital construction and small construction services project delivery.  Equally important, she leads by example and cultivates an inclusive and thoughtful work environment for her team. Jenny is committed to ensuring that the talented staff at F&S are always ready to assist campus customers and deliver the greatest value possible for the university.

As director of SAS, Watkins is responsible for administrative and managerial support for planning, budgeting, and financial resources for F&S departments and divisions, directly overseeing Accounts Payable, Financial Operations, Information Technology Services, Procurement Services, and Stores & Receiving.

Watkins holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Eastern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois. Before joining F&S, she worked at the Archer-Daniels-Midland Company for 16 years. She is a member of the Business Manager’s Group (BMG) on campus and has previously served on the Business Affairs Committee for the BMG.

Please join me in congratulating Jenny on her appointment.