Widener University Executive and Leadership Team

Heather Meier, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Widener University, directs the comprehensive financial operations and administrative functions of the institution. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and treasury management, Meier ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of the university. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support academic programs, research endeavors, and capital investments, while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory compliance. By managing institutional assets and optimizing resource allocation, Heather Meier drives financial efficiency and supports strategic growth initiatives. The scope of this position includes managing financial reporting, risk management, and the administration of university-wide financial policies, thereby safeguarding the university's financial integrity and enabling its educational mission.

Catherine Cleary, the President at Widener University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Guiding the university's mission and vision, Cleary oversees all academic, administrative, and operational facets, ensuring alignment with educational goals and societal impact. This role involves fostering a culture of academic excellence, promoting innovation in teaching and research, and strengthening community partnerships. By championing the university's values and advancing its strategic objectives, Catherine Cleary drives institutional growth and enhances its reputation. The scope of this position includes leading the senior leadership team, engaging with the Board of Trustees, and representing the university to external stakeholders, thereby securing its future success and educational contributions.

Alissa Dadarwala, the President at Widener University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Guiding the university's mission and vision, Dadarwala oversees all academic, administrative, and operational facets, ensuring alignment with educational goals and societal impact. This role involves fostering a culture of academic excellence, promoting innovation in teaching and research, and strengthening community partnerships. By championing the university's values and advancing its strategic objectives, Alissa Dadarwala drives institutional growth and enhances its reputation. The scope of this position includes leading the senior leadership team, engaging with the Board of Trustees, and representing the university to external stakeholders, thereby securing its future success and educational contributions.

Richard Brunsting, the President at Widener University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Guiding the university's mission and vision, Brunsting oversees all academic, administrative, and operational facets, ensuring alignment with educational goals and societal impact. This role involves fostering a culture of academic excellence, promoting innovation in teaching and research, and strengthening community partnerships. By championing the university's values and advancing its strategic objectives, Richard Brunsting drives institutional growth and enhances its reputation. The scope of this position includes leading the senior leadership team, engaging with the Board of Trustees, and representing the university to external stakeholders, thereby securing its future success and educational contributions.

Jane Michetti, the SBA President at Widener University, leads the Student Bar Association, representing the interests of law students. Michetti advocates for student needs, organizes academic and professional development events, and serves as a liaison between the student body and university administration. This role involves fostering a supportive environment for legal education and ensuring student voices are heard in institutional decision-making. By coordinating student initiatives and promoting engagement within the law school community, Jane Michetti enhances the student experience. The scope of this position includes managing student government operations, overseeing budgets for student activities, and collaborating with faculty and staff to address student concerns, thereby contributing to the vibrant academic life at Widener University.

Noah West, the President - Widener Robotics Club at Widener University, directs the activities and strategic direction of the university's robotics club. West oversees the design, construction, and programming of robotic systems for competitions and educational purposes. This leadership role involves managing club members, coordinating project timelines, and securing resources necessary for the club's operations. By fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, Noah West drives the club's success in technical challenges and promotes STEM education. The scope of this position includes leading team strategy, ensuring effective project management, and representing the club in intercollegiate events, thereby advancing practical engineering skills and technological exploration among students.

Brianna DeVito, the President at Widener University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Guiding the university's mission and vision, DeVito oversees all academic, administrative, and operational facets, ensuring alignment with educational goals and societal impact. This role involves fostering a culture of academic excellence, promoting innovation in teaching and research, and strengthening community partnerships. By championing the university's values and advancing its strategic objectives, Brianna DeVito drives institutional growth and enhances its reputation. The scope of this position includes leading the senior leadership team, engaging with the Board of Trustees, and representing the university to external stakeholders, thereby securing its future success and educational contributions.

Mariarose Walker, the Administrative Assistant & Coordinator & Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer at Widener University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the university's information technology infrastructure and enrollment management functions. Overseeing the integration of technology across all academic and administrative departments, Walker ensures robust digital platforms support student success and institutional efficiency. This leadership role involves architecting scalable IT solutions, managing data security protocols, and optimizing the student recruitment lifecycle from initial inquiry through matriculation. By aligning enrollment strategies with technological capabilities, Mariarose Walker drives institutional growth and enhances the overall student experience. The scope of this position encompasses managing departmental budgets, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring compliance with relevant data privacy regulations, thereby safeguarding institutional assets and promoting operational excellence.

Kathryn Herschede, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff at Widener University, spearheads the development and implementation of key institutional strategies. Operating at the nexus of executive leadership and operational execution, Herschede ensures strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans across university departments. This role involves close collaboration with the President and other senior leaders to drive forward initiatives that enhance academic quality, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness. By managing critical projects and facilitating communication between various stakeholders, Kathryn Herschede ensures alignment with the university's overarching mission. The scope of this position includes overseeing special projects, advising executive leadership on critical decisions, and ensuring the effective functioning of the President's office, thereby advancing Widener University's long-term objectives and institutional impact.