Widener University Executive and Leadership Team

Heather Meier, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Widener University, manages the fiscal health and operational budget of the institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support degree programs in business, engineering, and nursing. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency and sustainable growth. By optimizing capital allocation, Heather Meier directly impacts the university's capacity to invest in campus infrastructure and faculty development. The Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to mitigate institutional risk while maximizing revenue streams. Through rigorous oversight of administrative expenditures, the office maintains the financial stability required for academic excellence. Ultimately, Meier secures the economic future of the university, ensuring that every dollar spent advances the core mission of providing comprehensive educational services to the student body.

Brianna DeVito, the President at Widener University, directs the overarching academic and administrative vision of the institution. Overseeing the university's commitment to excellence in education, the President ensures that degree programs in fields like criminal justice and hospitality remain competitive. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to advance the university's reputation and community impact. By fostering an environment of intellectual growth, Brianna DeVito directly impacts the success of students and faculty alike. The President manages the strategic direction of the university, ensuring that academic offerings align with evolving industry needs. Through the promotion of inclusive learning environments, the office supports the development of future professionals in nursing, engineering, and liberal studies. Ultimately, DeVito secures the long-term viability of the institution, driving growth and maintaining the high standards expected of a premier educational provider.

Jane Michetti, the SBA President at Widener University, leads the student body association to enhance the campus experience and advocate for student needs. Overseeing student-led initiatives, the SBA President ensures that the voice of the student population informs university policy and campus culture. This leadership role involves coordinating events and resources that support academic and social development across all degree programs. By fostering a sense of community, Jane Michetti directly impacts student retention and engagement. The SBA President collaborates with university administration to address concerns related to student life and academic support services. Through the management of student funds and organizational activities, the office promotes leadership development among the student body. Ultimately, Michetti secures a vibrant campus environment, ensuring that the student experience remains a central focus of the university's mission to provide comprehensive educational services.

Catherine Cleary, the President at Widener University, leads specific academic divisions to ensure excellence in teaching and research. Overseeing the development of specialized curricula, the President drives innovation within the university's diverse degree programs. This leadership role involves mentoring faculty and promoting academic rigor in fields such as clinical psychology and education. By championing research initiatives, Catherine Cleary directly impacts the university's standing in the academic community. The President manages the operational requirements of academic departments, ensuring that resources are available for student success. Through the cultivation of partnerships with industry leaders, the office bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. Ultimately, Cleary secures the academic integrity of the institution, ensuring that the university continues to provide high-quality educational services that prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Robert Bruce, the President Emeritus at Widener University, provides historical context and strategic guidance to the current leadership team. Overseeing the preservation of institutional values, the President Emeritus ensures that the university remains true to its long-standing mission of educational service. This leadership role involves advising on long-term projects and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors. By sharing deep institutional knowledge, Robert Bruce directly impacts the continuity of the university's strategic vision. The President Emeritus supports the current administration in navigating complex challenges and identifying opportunities for growth. Through the promotion of the university's legacy, the office fosters a sense of pride and stability within the campus community. Ultimately, Bruce secures the foundation of the institution, ensuring that the values established since 1821 continue to guide the university's future development and academic success.

Alissa Dadarwala, the President at Widener University, directs the expansion of academic programs and the enhancement of student support services. Overseeing the implementation of new educational technologies, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of modern pedagogy. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to refine curricula in engineering and liberal studies. By prioritizing student-centered learning, Alissa Dadarwala directly impacts the quality of the educational experience. The President manages the university's outreach efforts, ensuring that prospective students understand the value of the degree programs offered. Through the strategic allocation of resources, the office supports faculty research and student professional development. Ultimately, Dadarwala secures the university's position as a leader in higher education, driving continuous improvement and ensuring that the institution meets the evolving needs of the global workforce.

Morgan Hartzman, the Club President at Widener University, leads student organizations to foster professional development and networking opportunities. Overseeing the planning of workshops and seminars, the Club President ensures that students gain practical experience outside the classroom. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to align club activities with academic goals in fields like business and hospitality. By facilitating connections between students and industry professionals, Morgan Hartzman directly impacts the career readiness of the student body. The Club President manages the logistics of student-led events, ensuring that resources are used effectively to promote learning and collaboration. Through the promotion of active participation, the office enhances the overall student experience. Ultimately, Hartzman secures a supportive environment for student growth, ensuring that the university's commitment to educational services extends beyond the traditional academic curriculum.

Richard Brunsting, the President at Widener University, directs the operational efficiency of specific academic units to ensure high-quality instruction. Overseeing the assessment of learning outcomes, the President ensures that degree programs meet rigorous accreditation standards. This leadership role involves managing faculty performance and promoting excellence in teaching across diverse disciplines. By implementing data-driven improvements, Richard Brunsting directly impacts the academic success of the student population. The President coordinates with administrative staff to streamline enrollment and student services, ensuring a seamless experience for all learners. Through the development of strategic partnerships, the office enhances the university's ability to provide relevant and impactful education. Ultimately, Brunsting secures the academic reputation of the institution, ensuring that the university continues to deliver on its promise of providing comprehensive educational services to students in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Mariarose Walker, the Administrative Assistant & Coordinator & Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer at Widener University, directs all digital infrastructure and student recruitment strategies. Overseeing the integration of advanced information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless data flow across campus departments. This leadership role involves optimizing enrollment pipelines to attract diverse student populations while maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols. By aligning technological investments with academic goals, Mariarose Walker directly impacts the university's ability to provide high-quality educational services. The Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer manages complex administrative workflows, ensuring that institutional resources support long-term growth. Through the implementation of scalable software solutions, the office enhances the overall student experience. Ultimately, Walker secures the technological foundation necessary for academic success in a competitive higher education landscape, driving efficiency across all administrative functions.

Kathryn Herschede, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff at Widener University, architects the long-term vision and operational alignment of the institution. Overseeing cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic goals remain consistent with the university's mission of academic excellence. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and various academic units, including clinical psychology and social work. By streamlining internal processes, Kathryn Herschede directly impacts the efficiency of university operations. The Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff manages high-priority projects that drive institutional progress and market relevance. Through the coordination of complex initiatives, the office fosters a culture of innovation and accountability. Ultimately, Herschede secures the successful execution of the university's strategic plan, ensuring that all departments work in harmony to deliver superior educational outcomes for students across all degree programs.