Walden University is a private institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Higher Education

Walden University

Sean R. Creamer is the current Director at [Walden University](/org/walden-university). Prior to this, they were with [Merkle](/org/merkle) from April 2016 to August 2021, where they served as an Executive Vice President and Board Member. Sean has also been with The Madison Square Garden Company from January 2014 to May 2015 as their Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Sean is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for Gonzaga College High School. From January 2010 to December 2011, Sean was the Executive Vice President - US Media Services for Arbitron Inc. And finally, from January 2012 to January 2014, Sean was the President, Chief Executive Officer and Director for Arbitron Inc. (Now Nielsen Audio).

Sean R. Creamer completed their undergraduate studies at [Saint Joseph's University](/org/saint-josephs-university), where they earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Sean then went on to complete a Master of Science in Taxation at [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university). Sean is also a Certified Public Accountant, having received their certification from the State of Maryland.



Sean R. Creamer

William G. Durden is the current Director at [Walden University](/org/walden-university). William has previously served as the Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Bath Spa University, President of [Dickinson College](/org/dickinson-college), and President of Sylvan Academy. In addition, they have also chaired the Advisory Committee on Exceptional Children and Youth at the [U.S. Department of State](/org/department-of-state).

Durden has been instrumental in driving institutional growth and creating new revenue streams through their work with joint venture partnerships. William is a strong advocate for students and their aspirations, and has helped create opportunities for them to pursue their goals.

Durden is a highly respected figure in the education community, and their experience and insight have helped shape policy and practice at the highest levels. William is committed to ensuring that all students have access to quality education and opportunities to succeed.

The educational career for William G. Durden includes a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The Johns Hopkins University in German Language and Literature, a Graduate Exchange from [University of Münster](/org/university-of-munster), a Master of Arts (M.A.) from The Johns Hopkins University in German Literature and Language, a Fullbright Scholar from University of Basel, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from [Dickinson College](/org/dickinson-college) in German and Philosophy, and a Study Year Abroad with Institute for European Studies from [The University of Freiburg](/org/the-university-of-freiburg).



William G. Durden

Charles Heller is the current Director at [Walden University](/org/walden-university). Prior to their current position, they held the position of Director at Athlone Global Security from January 2004 to December 2008. Charles was also the Chair of investment committee of venture capital fund focused on homeland security. From February 2000 to October 2004, Heller was the General Partner at Gabriel Venture Partners, a fund with $260M under management that invested in early-stage, hi-tech companies. Before that, they were with Annapolis Capital Group. From January 1990 to December 2000, Heller was the Director at Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship where they built one of the top university entrepreneurship centers in the nation and assisted tech firms in Mid-Atlantic. Charles also directed entrepreneurship curriculum in MBA program at [University of Maryland](/org/university-of-maryland).

Charles O. Heller has a Ph.D. in engineering from The Catholic University of America, as well as a BS and MS in engineering from [Oklahoma State University](/org/oklahoma-state-university).



Charles O. Heller

Lee McGee has over 30 years of experience in the financial and education industries. Lee is currently the Director at [Walden University](/org/walden-university). Prior to their current position, Lee held various positions such as Board Member at Language Stars, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kendall College, and Principal at Sterling Capital Management.

Lee's experience in the education industry began in 2000 when they became the Senior Vice President of New Business Development at Laureate Education. In this role, they were responsible for the financial planning and execution of new business ventures. Lee remained with Laureate Education for five years before moving on to Acquisition and Exit Planning Advisory Services.

In 2007, Lee became the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Restructure Holdings. Lee held this position for seven years before taking on the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Shorelight Education LLC in 2013. After one year in this position, they returned to [Walden University](/org/walden-university) in 2014.

Lee McGee is a highly experienced financial executive with a proven track record in both the education and corporate sectors. Lee is a strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping others achieve their goals.

Lee McGee has a BS in Accounting from [The University of Alabama](/org/the-university-of-alabama).



Lee McGee

John E. Kobara is the current Director at [Walden University](/org/walden-university), and they have also held positions at Random Acts of Progress, SidePorch, [Defy Ventures](/org/defy-ventures), MLK Community Health Foundation, The Race Epidemic, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION, and Wishtoyo Foundation. John has been in their current position at [Walden University](/org/walden-university) since August 2012. Prior to that, they were the Strategic Advisor at Wishtoyo Foundation from April 2008 to March 2020. John also served as the COO at California Community Foundation from April 2008 to March 2020. In addition, they have been a Board Member at [Walden University](/org/walden-university) since February 2010.

John E. Kobara's educational career includes a BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, an MA in Urban Studies from [Occidental College](/org/occidental-college), and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business. John is also a Fellow in Public Affairs and Leadership from CORO, Southern California.



John E. Kobara

Dr. Sue Subocz has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, and she has served in several leadership roles with Walden since 2014. She is an outstanding leader who consistently demonstrates her passion for Walden, commitment to the success of our students, and dedication to advancements in curricular innovations that improve learning experiences for diverse adult student populations.

As provost, Dr. Subocz led efforts to transform academic governance to an engaged stakeholder model, creating new opportunities for collaborative and innovative approaches to student retention and progress, particularly in areas of university-wide approaches to doctoral research and early term retention for undergraduate students. Dr. Subocz also led Walden efforts to integrate with the Adtalem network, particularly with respect to shared mission areas of social change, educational justice and healthcare equity initiatives aligned with the social determinants of health.

Dr. Subocz has also served as Walden University’s vice provost for curriculum, product strategy, innovation, and design. She formerly served as vice president of product strategy, innovation, and design for Laureate Online, where she improved student engagement with leading innovative digital product design and quality program development.

Prior to joining Laureate Online, Dr. Subocz served for 13 years in a number of academic and operational leadership roles at the College of Southern Maryland where her commitment to include full-time and adjunct faculty in decision-making and institutional endeavors led to increased engagement and institutional thought leadership in online learning, faculty development, and learning outcomes assessment. As vice president of academic affairs Dr. Subocz led academic units through the 10-year Middle States reaffirmation process, achieving full re-accreditation and enabling faculty leadership in a variety of high-impact student success and goal completion practices. As chair of the Division of Distance Learning & Faculty Development, Dr. Subocz led efforts to fully incorporate Quality Matters standards, ensuring faculty engagement and support in leading online curriculum development.

Dr. Subocz also served as a faculty member at the College of Southern Maryland, teaching courses in mathematics and physics, in both on-ground and online formats. She led the way in bringing online labs to the college, allowing for a full online student experience in the sciences.

She has published numerous papers on teaching, education innovation, and academic quality. She is also a frequent speaker on digital experiences in higher education, academic quality, and leveraging innovation in technology to improve student experience and success.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Subocz earned both her PhD in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning, and her Master of Science in Education from Capella University. She earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland. Dr. Subocz is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering before going on to serve 26 years in the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.

Sue Subocz

Devon Edmund

Tracy Slemp

Nina Nabors

Nina McCune

Gina Dyson began their career in education as a Student Financial Services Counselor at [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university). Gina then became a Consultant for the CEO Forum on Education and Technology. After that, they worked as an Associate for Education Capital Markets. Gina's next position was as a Senior Research Associate for New American Schools. Finally, they found their home at [Walden University](/org/walden-university), where they have been working their way up for the past 17 years. Gina is currently the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Gina Dyson has a Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Baltimore School of Law, a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University School of Law, an MA in Communication, Culture and Technology from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university), and a BA in American Studies from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university).

Gina Dyson reports to Michael Betz, President. Gina Dyson works with Sue Subocz - Associate President and Provost, Lana Rocca - Senior Director, Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence, and Deborah Morris - Senior Director, School of Lifelong Learning.

Gina Dyson

Juli Konopa is the current Director of Office of Academic Affairs at [Walden University](/org/walden-university). Juli has been in the education field since 1999, when they became a Business Technology Instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College. In 2002, Juli became an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where they instructed graduate and undergraduate courses in career and technical education, as well as teacher professional education courses. Juli has also advised graduate research and facilitated student learning in both traditional and non-traditional classroom environments. In 2010, Juli accepted their current position at [Walden University](/org/walden-university).

Juli Konopa has a PhD in Education - Work, Community & Family Education from the [University of Minnesota](/org/university-of-minnesota). Juli also has an EdS in Industrial & Vocational Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, as well as an MS in Training & Development from the same school. Finally, they have a BS in General Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

They are on a team with Gina Dyson - Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Lana Rocca - Senior Director, Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence, and Deborah Morris - Senior Director, School of Lifelong Learning. Juli Konopa reports to Michael Betz, President.

Juli Konopa

Lana Rocca is the current Senior Director of the Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence at [Walden University](/org/walden-university). Lana has previously worked as an instructional designer and professor at [Walden University](/org/walden-university).

Lana Rocca has earned both a Doctor of Philosophy in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from [Walden University](/org/walden-university).

Lana Rocca reports to Michael Betz, President. Some of their coworkers include Juli Konopa - Director, Office of Academic Affairs, Patrick Kahoe - Senior Director, Office of Academic Support, and Gina Dyson - Associate Dean, Student Affairs.

Lana Rocca

Lori Jackson

Alli Winkelman

Michael Betz was named president of [Walden University](/org/walden-university) in May 2022.

In his role as president, Betz is responsible for the strategy and operations of Walden with a mandate to further enhance Walden’s position as a leading innovator in distance learning while maintaining its commitment to expanding access to high quality, flexible degree programs that enable student success and advance professional ambitions.

Most recently, Betz served as a partner at McKinsey & Co. and was a leader in McKinsey’s higher education and growth transformation practices. Betz played a key role in growing McKinsey’s education practice and specialized in leading large scale transformation programs. 

Prior to McKinsey, Betz served in various leadership roles in higher education for 15 years. His previous work includes serving as senior vice president and chief marketing officer and head of strategy at Strayer University, where he led global marketing strategy and operations. He also served as the chief marketing officer of Pansophic Education and led its global marketing and growth strategies for three portfolio companies. Prior to that role, he served as the senior vice president and chief marketing officer at [Ellucian](/org/ellucian), a leading SaaS higher education company.

Betz earned his master’s degrees in business administration and public affairs from the University of Texas and his Bachelor of Science in foreign services from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university).


Michael Betz

Deborah Morris

Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon is the Vice Provost for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. With a 27 year career in higher education, Savitri Dixon-Saxon has been an administrator at Walden since 2005. She started her career at Walden as the program director for the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling and most recently served as the dean of the School of Counseling and the Barbara Solomon School of Social Work and Human Services. In her time at Walden, she has provided oversight for the establishment of two schools; the establishment of eleven academic programs; and accreditation for five counseling programs by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational programs (CACREP), accreditation of the Master of Social Work program and candidacy for accreditation for the Bachelor of Social Work program through the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE).

Dr. Dixon-Saxon primary areas of interest are the psychosocial identity of African American women; intergenerational workplace dynamics; and leadership and mentoring in distance education. As a single and custodial parent herself, Dr. Dixon-Saxon has focused her research on the issues of African-American single mothers, especially those who are in poverty and those who are trying to achieve and maintain middle-class status as single parents. In 2013, Savitri was named a Woman Worth Watching by the Diversity Journal. Since January 2016, Savitri has served as the chair of Walden’s Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. A trained counselor educator, Savitri is a licensed professional counselor in North Carolina and national certified counselor. She is also a graduate of Walden’s Master of Business Administration program.

Savitri Dixon-Saxon

Patrick Kahoe

Lisa W. Wardell is the Executive Chairman, Adtalem Global Education.

Lisa W. Wardell

Estanislado Y. Paz is the Executive Director of the Texas Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Walden University

Org chart

Teams

Board of Directors

Leadership Team

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