Walden University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Walden University has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, academic leadership, human resources, and administrative governance.

Committed to expanding access to higher education, Walden University empowers working professionals through flexible undergraduate and graduate programs designed to foster social change and academic excellence.

Leadership Roles at Walden University

  • Chief Executive Officer - DeAnna Wilson
  • Co-Chief Operating Officer - Matthew Bubley
  • President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present - Felicia Cowfer
  • President - Kathy Little
  • Office of the President - Dann Dobry
  • President and Founder Alpha Epsilon Xi Honor Society - Heidi Connor
  • Office of the President - Whitney Greene
  • Hrd - Jimmy Duncan
  • DeAnna Wilson - Chief Executive Officer

    DeAnna Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer at Walden University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this Maryland-based educational institution. Wilson architects long-term growth initiatives that expand program accessibility for diverse student populations across North America. By aligning academic offerings with evolving market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector. DeAnna Wilson collaborates with the Board to optimize institutional resources, driving operational efficiency and academic quality. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of digital learning technologies to enhance student outcomes. Through rigorous assessment of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and mission-driven focus of the organization. Ultimately, Wilson sustains the commitment to providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate education to working professionals seeking career advancement.

    Matthew Bubley - Co-Chief Operating Officer

    Matthew Bubley, the Co-Chief Operating Officer at Walden University, manages the internal infrastructure and daily operational workflows required to support a large-scale academic environment. Bubley executes complex logistical strategies that streamline student services and faculty support systems across the institution. By focusing on operational scalability, the Co-Chief Operating Officer ensures that administrative processes remain agile and responsive to the needs of a global student body. Matthew Bubley coordinates with other executive leaders to implement technology-driven solutions that improve institutional productivity. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators to maintain high standards of service delivery. Through the optimization of internal resources, the Co-Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency across all departments. Bubley maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the university provides a seamless educational experience for every student enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.

    Felicia Cowfer - President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present

    Felicia Cowfer, the President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present at Walden University, leads initiatives that recognize academic achievement among adult learners. Cowfer directs the strategic outreach and engagement efforts that connect honor society members with professional development opportunities. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present strengthens the academic community and promotes lifelong learning values. Felicia Cowfer collaborates with university leadership to integrate honor society activities into the broader institutional mission. This leadership role involves managing membership growth and ensuring that academic standards remain rigorous. Through the promotion of scholarly success, the President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present enhances the reputation of the university within the educational landscape. Cowfer drives engagement strategies that support student retention and success, ensuring that high-achieving individuals receive the recognition and resources necessary to excel in their respective fields.
    Felicia Cowfer

    Kathy Little - President

    Kathy Little, the President at Walden University, oversees the academic integrity and institutional standards that define the university's educational programs. Little directs the development of curriculum frameworks that meet the needs of working professionals seeking advanced degrees. By championing academic innovation, the President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of higher education trends. Kathy Little works closely with faculty leadership to maintain high instructional quality and student support services. This role involves representing the university in academic forums and fostering partnerships that expand the reach of undergraduate and graduate offerings. Through the implementation of strategic academic policies, the President drives student success and institutional growth. Little maintains a focus on the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality education, ensuring that every program aligns with the professional goals of the student body.

    Dann Dobry - Office of the President

    Dann Dobry, the Office of the President at Walden University, coordinates high-level administrative functions and strategic communications for the executive leadership team. Dobry facilitates the flow of information between the President and various departments, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives. By managing complex projects and executive priorities, the Office of the President supports the efficient execution of university-wide initiatives. Dann Dobry collaborates with internal stakeholders to streamline decision-making processes and enhance organizational transparency. This role involves preparing strategic briefings and managing external relations that impact the university's market position. Through the coordination of key administrative tasks, the Office of the President drives operational cohesion. Dobry ensures that executive directives are implemented effectively, supporting the overall mission of providing accessible and high-quality educational programs to students across the country.

    Heidi Connor - President and Founder Alpha Epsilon Xi Honor Society

    Heidi Connor, the President and Founder Alpha Epsilon Xi Honor Society at Walden University, leads the development and expansion of honor society programs that celebrate student achievement. Connor architects engagement strategies that provide members with networking and professional growth opportunities. By establishing rigorous criteria for membership, the President and Founder Alpha Epsilon Xi Honor Society ensures that the organization upholds the highest standards of academic excellence. Heidi Connor collaborates with university administration to integrate honor society initiatives into the student experience. This leadership role involves managing organizational growth and fostering a community of high-achieving scholars. Through the promotion of academic success, the President and Founder Alpha Epsilon Xi Honor Society enhances the university's commitment to student development. Connor drives initiatives that support the long-term professional success of members, reinforcing the value of the education provided by the institution.

    Whitney Greene - Office of the President

    Whitney Greene, the Office of the President at Walden University, manages critical administrative operations and strategic planning efforts that support the executive office. Greene directs the implementation of institutional policies that ensure compliance and operational excellence across all academic departments. By overseeing cross-functional projects, the Office of the President facilitates the achievement of long-term strategic goals. Whitney Greene collaborates with senior leadership to refine institutional processes and improve service delivery for students. This role involves analyzing organizational performance and providing actionable insights to the executive team. Through the management of key administrative functions, the Office of the President drives efficiency and supports the university's mission. Greene ensures that all initiatives align with the broader objectives of the institution, contributing to the continued success of undergraduate and graduate programs in a competitive educational market.

    Jimmy Duncan - Hrd

    Jimmy Duncan, the Hrd at Walden University, manages the human capital strategies that support the institution's diverse workforce of educators and administrative staff. Duncan architects talent acquisition and retention programs designed to attract top-tier professionals in the education sector. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance culture, the Hrd ensures that the university maintains a dedicated team capable of delivering exceptional student support. Jimmy Duncan collaborates with executive leadership to align workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the institution. This leadership role involves overseeing professional development initiatives and performance management systems. Through the optimization of human resources, the Hrd drives organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. Duncan implements policies that promote workplace excellence, ensuring that the university remains a premier employer for those committed to the mission of providing quality undergraduate and graduate education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Walden University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Walden University?
    Walden University is led by DeAnna Wilson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Bubley (Co-Chief Operating Officer) and Felicia Cowfer (President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present).
    Who is part of Walden University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Walden University includes leaders such as DeAnna Wilson (Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Bubley (Co-Chief Operating Officer), Felicia Cowfer (President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Walden University have?
    Walden University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Walden University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Walden University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Operating Officer, President, Alpha Sigma Lambda 2013-Present, President, Office of the President.