September 11, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – The Siena Heights University Board of Trustees, with the support of the General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is pleased to appoint Dr. Cheri Betz as the 12th president of the University. As the University鈥檚 chief executive officer, she oversees all academic and operational functions on its Adrian, Michigan, campus; through its national online educational platform; and in service to incarcerated people in correctional facilities.
鈥淲e are grateful to Dr. Douglas Palmer for his service and contributions to Siena Heights University,鈥� stated Harry 鈥淒usty鈥� Steele, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. 鈥淭he Board of Trustees is fully confident that of Dr. Betz, with her experience and deep commitment to the University, will bring meaningful impact across all aspects of the 集美麻豆 community and beyond.鈥�
Appointed as Executive Vice President in 2024, Dr. Betz has been a valued leader at Siena Heights for over twenty years. She brings a wealth of experience from her prior roles as Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of the award-winning online learning program. Dr. Betz has also served as an admission representative and advisor for online students and an assistant professor of leadership.
鈥淚 am here to serve,鈥� said Dr. Betz. 鈥淭he year ahead of us is a critical one in that we uphold our promise of an honorable closure. I will not waiver in my commitment to students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make our final chapter one that honors the legacy of the institution.鈥�
Dr. Betz carries her passion and leadership off campus and into Jackson鈥檚 Cotton and Cooper Street Correctional Facilities, where she enjoys teaching a course in Siena鈥檚 Rising Education Program, which empowers incarcerated individuals to earn their bachelor鈥檚 degrees. She is also an active member of the local community, her church, and above all, dedicated to her family.
鈥淲e are delighted that Dr. Betz has said 鈥榶es鈥� to assuming the role of President of Siena Heights University,鈥� said Elise D. Garc铆a, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. 鈥淒r. Betz has a depth and breadth of experience and love of Siena to lead students, faculty and staff with joy, intelligence and sensitivity through a very challenging final year that could also be richly rewarding.鈥�
鈥淲e are very grateful to Dr. Douglas Palmer for his service as President of Siena Heights University,鈥� Sister Elise added. 鈥淲e extend 鈥� with every good wish 鈥� our blessings to him and his cherished family.鈥�
Dr. Betz holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in communication from Olivet Nazarene University, a master鈥檚 in organizational leadership from Siena Heights University, and a doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. She is a member of the board of trustees for Olivet Nazarene University and a Goodwill Ambassador for Goodwill Industries Southeast Michigan.
About Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University (集美麻豆), a Catholic institution founded in 1919 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, serves a diverse student body of traditional and adult learners following the Dominican intellectual tradition. For more information, visit sienaheights.edu.
