Widener University Executive and Leadership Team

Heather Meier, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Widener University, manages the fiscal health and administrative infrastructure of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the delivery of degree programs in criminal justice, education, and hospitality. Heather Meier directs the financial planning and analysis teams to maintain long-term sustainability while funding critical campus infrastructure projects. By coordinating with the board on fiscal policy, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the capital necessary for academic expansion. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of institutional assets and the implementation of cost-saving measures across all departments. Through strategic financial management, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the university's ability to provide accessible education, ensuring that every dollar invested directly enhances the student experience and supports the institution's core mission.

Robert Bruce, the President Emeritus at Widener University, provides historical context and advisory support to the current leadership team. Maintaining deep connections with alumni and donors, the President Emeritus fosters long-term relationships that benefit the university's endowment and scholarship funds. Robert Bruce offers guidance on institutional legacy and the preservation of core values that have defined the university since 1821. By participating in major ceremonial events, the President Emeritus represents the institution's enduring commitment to academic excellence in fields like engineering and nursing. This leadership role involves mentoring emerging administrators and ensuring that strategic transitions remain consistent with the university's established mission. Through ongoing advocacy, the President Emeritus strengthens the institution's standing within the higher education community, ensuring that the values of service and professional development remain central to the student experience as the university continues to evolve in the modern academic landscape.

Stacey Robertson, the President at Widener University, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the academic and administrative leadership, the President ensures that all degree programs, from business administration to social work, meet rigorous standards of excellence. Stacey Robertson directs the university's engagement with external stakeholders, including government agencies and industry partners, to expand research and career opportunities for students. By championing innovation in curriculum development, the President drives the university's growth in competitive fields like clinical psychology and criminal justice. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive campus culture that supports student success and faculty research. Through the execution of a comprehensive strategic plan, the President secures the university's position as a premier educational provider, ensuring that the institution remains responsive to the changing needs of the workforce while maintaining its historical commitment to academic rigor and community service.

Catherine Cleary, the President at Widener University, focuses on the expansion of professional development initiatives and industry partnerships. Leading the effort to align academic offerings with market demands, the President ensures that programs in hospitality, tourism, and liberal studies provide students with practical, career-ready skills. Catherine Cleary directs the development of new collaborative research projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By cultivating relationships with regional employers, the President creates internship and placement pathways that enhance the value of a degree from the university. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of student-centered policies that improve retention and graduation rates. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary studies, the President drives the university's mission to prepare graduates for complex professional environments, ensuring that the institution remains a vital contributor to the economic and social development of the surrounding region.

Morgan Hartzman, the Club President at Widener University, manages student-led organizations that enrich the campus experience. Overseeing the coordination of extracurricular activities, the Club President ensures that student groups align with the university's mission of community engagement and professional growth. Morgan Hartzman directs the allocation of club resources and facilitates communication between student leaders and the administration. By organizing events that promote networking and skill-building, the Club President enhances the social and academic environment for students across all degree programs. This leadership role involves fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging student participation in campus governance. Through the management of diverse student initiatives, the Club President supports the university's goal of developing well-rounded graduates who are prepared to lead in their respective fields, ensuring that the student experience remains vibrant, inclusive, and deeply connected to the broader institutional values of service and excellence.

Brianna DeVito, the President at Widener University, leads specific student-focused initiatives aimed at improving campus life and student advocacy. Overseeing the representation of student interests to the faculty and administration, the President ensures that the student voice remains central to institutional decision-making. Brianna DeVito directs the planning of campus-wide forums that address student concerns regarding academic resources and support services. By collaborating with various student organizations, the President fosters a collaborative environment that encourages leadership development and civic engagement. This leadership role involves managing the implementation of projects that enhance the quality of life for the student body. Through the promotion of inclusive policies, the President supports the university's mission to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment, ensuring that all students have the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed in their chosen degree programs and future professional endeavors.

Richard Brunsting, the President at Widener University, manages specialized academic programs and research initiatives that drive institutional innovation. Overseeing the development of advanced curricula in technical and scientific fields, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology. Richard Brunsting directs the faculty research agenda, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses complex societal challenges. By securing grants and funding for laboratory and classroom upgrades, the President enhances the learning environment for students in engineering and clinical psychology. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic deans to ensure that program outcomes align with industry standards. Through the promotion of academic excellence, the President strengthens the university's reputation for producing highly skilled graduates, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a rigorous and relevant education that prepares students for the demands of the modern global economy.

Jane Michetti, the SBA President at Widener University, leads the student body within the law school, focusing on professional development and academic support. Overseeing the coordination of legal clinics and networking events, the SBA President ensures that law students gain practical experience and exposure to the legal profession. Jane Michetti directs the efforts of the student bar association to advocate for the needs of the law school community. By facilitating communication between students and faculty, the SBA President helps to maintain a supportive and rigorous academic environment. This leadership role involves managing the budget for student-led legal initiatives and promoting participation in professional organizations. Through the organization of workshops and seminars, the SBA President enhances the educational experience, ensuring that law students are well-prepared for the challenges of legal practice and committed to the university's values of justice and service.

Kathryn Herschede, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff at Widener University, directs high-level institutional projects and coordinates cross-departmental operations. Managing the alignment of university-wide goals, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff ensures that academic programs in business, engineering, and nursing remain competitive. Kathryn Herschede facilitates communication between the executive office and various faculty committees to streamline decision-making processes. By overseeing the implementation of long-term institutional planning, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency across the Pennsylvania campus. This leadership role involves monitoring progress on key performance indicators to support the broader mission of educational excellence. Through rigorous analysis of institutional data, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation, ensuring that the university maintains its reputation for providing high-quality degree programs in clinical psychology and social work.

Mariarose Walker, the Administrative Assistant & Coordinator & Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer at Widener University, manages student recruitment pipelines and digital infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of technology into the enrollment process, the Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer ensures that prospective students access degree programs in liberal studies and law with ease. Mariarose Walker directs the IT department to maintain secure, scalable systems that support both remote and on-campus learning environments. By analyzing enrollment trends, the Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer optimizes marketing strategies to attract diverse student populations. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to align technology needs with educational goals. Through the modernization of digital platforms, the Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer improves operational efficiency, ensuring that the university remains a leader in providing accessible, high-quality education to students across the region.