DeVry University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

DeVry University has 6 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, legal compliance, technology advisory, institutional governance, and academic leadership.

Committed to providing accessible higher education, DeVry University empowers students through career-focused degree programs while maintaining a legacy of academic excellence and industry-aligned curriculum development.

Leadership Roles at DeVry University

  • Chief Financial Officer - John Lorenz
  • President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte) - Roy Simrell
  • College President - Loretta Franklin
  • Chief Legal Officer - Andrew Jones
  • Life Member - Gautam Jhunjhunwalla
  • Life Member - Bharat Dalal
  • John Lorenz - Chief Financial Officer

    John Lorenz, the Chief Financial Officer at DeVry University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term capital planning. Managing the financial health of this educational institution, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation across all undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Lorenz ensures alignment between institutional spending and the strategic goals of Cogswell Education, LLC. By optimizing operational costs and driving revenue growth, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of academic offerings. John Lorenz maintains rigorous oversight of financial compliance and risk management protocols. Through precise fiscal analysis, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain high-quality learning environments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to ensure sustainable growth across North American markets. Ultimately, Lorenz strengthens the financial foundation required for student success and institutional longevity.
    John Lorenz

    Roy Simrell - President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte)

    Roy Simrell, the President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte) at DeVry University, drives the integration of emerging technology into the academic curriculum. Overseeing the alignment of educational programs with current economic demands, the President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte) ensures that students gain skills relevant to the modern workforce. Simrell bridges the gap between industry requirements and university offerings, fostering partnerships that enhance the value of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Roy Simrell leads initiatives that modernize the technological infrastructure of the institution. By analyzing economic trends, the President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte) guides the development of new courses that address market needs. This leadership role involves advising the board on long-term innovation strategies. Ultimately, Simrell ensures that the university remains a leader in career-focused education by anticipating future shifts in the global economy.
    Roy Simrell

    Loretta Franklin - College President

    Loretta Franklin, the College President at DeVry University, directs all academic and administrative functions of the institution. Overseeing the delivery of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the College President ensures that the curriculum meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. Franklin manages faculty development, student services, and campus operations to create an environment conducive to learning. Loretta Franklin leads the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to improve student retention and graduation rates. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, the College President drives the university toward its mission of career-focused education. This role involves collaborating with the board and other executives to align institutional goals with market demands. Through effective leadership, the College President ensures that the university remains a top choice for students seeking professional advancement. Ultimately, Franklin shapes the academic experience, ensuring that every program provides the skills necessary for success in the modern workforce.
    Andrew Jones, the Chief Legal Officer at DeVry University, manages all regulatory affairs and corporate governance matters. Overseeing legal compliance for this educational institution, the Chief Legal Officer protects the interests of the university while navigating complex accreditation standards and federal education regulations. Jones architects internal policies that ensure adherence to industry laws and ethical guidelines. By mitigating legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer enables the university to focus on delivering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Andrew Jones coordinates with external counsel and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes and maintain institutional integrity. This role involves drafting contracts, managing intellectual property, and ensuring transparency in all corporate dealings. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer supports the mission of Cogswell Education, LLC. Ultimately, Jones provides the essential legal framework that allows the university to operate effectively within the competitive higher education landscape.

    Gautam Jhunjhunwalla - Life Member

    Gautam Jhunjhunwalla, the Life Member at DeVry University, provides long-term strategic guidance and institutional continuity. Serving as a permanent advisor, the Life Member contributes deep historical knowledge to the governance of this educational institution. Jhunjhunwalla supports the board in maintaining the core mission of providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Gautam Jhunjhunwalla participates in high-level decision-making processes that shape the future direction of the university. By offering perspective on past initiatives and long-term goals, the Life Member ensures that current strategies remain consistent with the foundational values of the organization. This role involves evaluating the impact of academic policies on student outcomes and institutional reputation. Through consistent engagement, the Life Member helps stabilize the leadership structure. Ultimately, Jhunjhunwalla fosters a culture of excellence and accountability, ensuring that the university continues to serve its students effectively while adapting to the evolving needs of the higher education sector.

    Bharat Dalal - Life Member

    Bharat Dalal, the Life Member at DeVry University, offers enduring oversight and strategic counsel to the leadership team. As a Life Member, Dalal ensures that the university upholds its commitment to academic rigor and career-focused education. By reviewing institutional performance and long-term planning, the Life Member assists in navigating the complexities of the modern educational landscape. Bharat Dalal provides critical insights into the governance of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, ensuring that the institution remains competitive. This role involves participating in board discussions that define the strategic vision for the university. Through a focus on sustainable growth and student success, the Life Member supports the broader objectives of Cogswell Education, LLC. Dalal contributes to the stability of the organization by maintaining a focus on core educational values. Ultimately, the Life Member helps guide the university toward achieving its mission of preparing students for professional success in a changing economy.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DeVry University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DeVry University?
    DeVry University is led by John Lorenz (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Roy Simrell (President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte)) and Loretta Franklin (College President).
    Who is part of DeVry University’s executive team?
    The executive team of DeVry University includes leaders such as John Lorenz (Chief Financial Officer), Roy Simrell (President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte)), Loretta Franklin (College President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DeVry University have?
    DeVry University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DeVry University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DeVry University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, S Advisory Council On Technology & The Economy (Pacte), College President, Chief Legal Officer, Life Member.