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 the allocation of resources aligns with the university's mission to provide high-quality degree programs. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from tuition and research grants while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures, Heather Meier directly impacts the financial stability of the university. Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer collaborates with academic leadership to fund new initiatives in engineering, nursing, and law. Through the oversight of administrative finance, Meier secures the necessary capital to maintain campus facilities and support faculty development, ultimately ensuring the continued viability of the educational services provided by the institution.

Stacey Robertson, the President at Widener University, provides executive leadership for the entire academic institution. Overseeing the university's mission to deliver excellence in education, the President directs the development of degree programs in fields such as criminal justice and liberal studies. This leadership role involves engaging with external stakeholders and alumni to expand the university's influence within the higher education sector. By fostering a culture of innovation, Stacey Robertson directly impacts the academic reputation and student outcomes of the institution. Furthermore, the President collaborates with the board to set the overarching strategy for campus expansion and community engagement. Through the promotion of academic rigor and professional development, Robertson secures the university's standing as a premier provider of educational services, ensuring that the institution remains responsive to the evolving needs of the global workforce.

Brianna DeVito, the President at Widener University, focuses on student-centered leadership and the enhancement of campus life. Overseeing the integration of extracurricular activities with academic curricula, the President ensures that students receive a holistic education in hospitality, tourism, and other professional fields. This leadership role involves advocating for student needs and fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse learning styles. By championing student success initiatives, Brianna DeVito directly impacts the retention and graduation rates of the university. Furthermore, the President works closely with faculty to improve the quality of instruction and student support services. Through the implementation of community-building programs, DeVito secures a vibrant campus culture that prepares graduates for professional success, ultimately strengthening the university's commitment to providing high-quality educational services to all students.

Jane Michetti, the SBA President at Widener University, leads the student body association to represent the interests of the academic community. Overseeing student advocacy and organizational funding, the SBA President ensures that student voices influence university policy and campus programming. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of resources for student-led initiatives and professional development workshops. By facilitating dialogue between students and administration, Jane Michetti directly impacts the quality of the student experience. Furthermore, the SBA President coordinates events that promote networking and career readiness across various degree programs. Through the active representation of student concerns, Michetti secures a more responsive and supportive campus environment, ensuring that the university's educational services remain aligned with the needs and aspirations of the student body.

Richard Brunsting, the President at Widener University, directs the university's research and development efforts to advance academic knowledge. Overseeing the expansion of laboratory facilities and research partnerships, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of innovation in engineering and clinical psychology. This leadership role involves securing grants and private funding to support faculty research projects. By fostering a research-intensive environment, Richard Brunsting directly impacts the university's contribution to scientific and social progress. Furthermore, the President works to integrate research findings into the classroom, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. Through the promotion of scholarly excellence, Brunsting secures the university's reputation as a hub for intellectual discovery, ensuring that the educational services provided are grounded in the latest advancements and industry-relevant research.

Catherine Cleary, the President at Widener University, manages external relations and institutional partnerships to broaden the university's reach. Overseeing the development of corporate and community alliances, the President ensures that the university's degree programs remain connected to industry demands. This leadership role involves representing the university at regional and national forums to promote its educational mission. By building strong networks, Catherine Cleary directly impacts the internship and employment opportunities available to students. Furthermore, the President coordinates outreach efforts that highlight the university's impact on the local economy and workforce development. Through the cultivation of strategic partnerships, Cleary secures the university's position as a vital contributor to the professional landscape, ensuring that the educational services provided are highly valued by employers and the broader community.

Alissa Dadarwala, the President at Widener University, leads initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the campus. Overseeing the implementation of policies that support a diverse student and faculty population, the President ensures that the university's educational services are accessible and equitable. This leadership role involves chairing committees that address systemic barriers and promote a welcoming campus climate. By championing inclusive excellence, Alissa Dadarwala directly impacts the university's ability to attract and retain a diverse talent pool. Furthermore, the President integrates inclusive practices into the curriculum and student support services. Through the promotion of social justice and equity, Dadarwala secures a more representative and supportive academic environment, ensuring that the university's commitment to education serves the needs of all individuals regardless of background.

Noah West, the President - Widener Robotics Club at Widener University, directs the technical and competitive activities of the robotics organization. Overseeing the design and construction of autonomous systems, the President - Widener Robotics Club ensures that members gain practical experience in engineering and programming. This leadership role involves managing project timelines, securing materials, and preparing the team for regional competitions. By fostering technical skill development, Noah West directly impacts the hands-on learning opportunities available to engineering students. Furthermore, the President - Widener Robotics Club collaborates with faculty advisors to align club projects with academic coursework. Through the promotion of innovation and teamwork, West secures a dynamic environment for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing the overall value of the university's engineering educational services.

Mariarose Walker, the Administrative Assistant & Coordinator & Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer at Widener University, directs all student recruitment strategies and digital infrastructure initiatives. Overseeing the integration of advanced information systems, the Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless data flow across campus departments. This leadership role involves optimizing enrollment funnels to attract diverse student populations while maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols for the entire institution. By aligning technological capabilities with academic goals, Mariarose Walker directly impacts the university's ability to scale educational services. Furthermore, the Vice President, Enrollment & Chief Information Officer manages complex administrative workflows that support faculty and staff productivity. Through the implementation of data-driven recruitment models, Walker secures long-term institutional growth and enhances the overall digital experience for the academic community.

Kathryn Herschede, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff at Widener University, coordinates high-level projects and aligns institutional goals with daily operations. Overseeing the execution of the university's long-term vision, the Chief of Staff ensures cross-departmental collaboration across business administration, clinical psychology, and social work programs. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and the board to drive progress on key academic priorities. By streamlining organizational processes, Kathryn Herschede directly impacts the efficiency of the university's strategic roadmap. Furthermore, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff manages internal communications and special projects that enhance the university's market position. Through the careful orchestration of institutional resources, Herschede supports the delivery of comprehensive educational services, ensuring that every strategic initiative contributes to the overall success and growth of the university.