Capella University Names Richard Senese, PhD, New President

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Capella University, (http://www.capella.edu), a regionally accredited online university which offers online degree programs designed to help working adults advance in their careers, announces today Dr. Richard (Dick) Senese as its new president. Dr. Senese has served as interim president for the last ten months and vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer for Capella University since 2014. Dr. Senese will continue to serve in his role as Capella University's chief academic officer.

Previously Dr. Senese served in leadership roles with the University of Minnesota Extension for 13 years. He also has taught at a number of Minnesota-based institutions, including St. Olaf College, Metropolitan State University and the College of St. Scholastica, and formerly served as the associate dean for Capella University's Harold Abel School of Psychology.

"Dick's commitment to adult education, track record of results, understanding of Capella, and his deep personal commitment to our mission and values made him the strongest possible fit to lead Capella University into the future. The Board believes Dick is in a unique position to help shape the next generation of academic quality and innovation at Capella University, and continue our leadership in competency-based education," said Eric Jolly, chair of the Capella University Board of Directors and president and CEO of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners.

"The learners who turn to Capella University to advance themselves and their careers fuel my passion and provide inspiration," said Dr. Senese. "It is an honor for me to work with the Capella University faculty and staff everyday as we fulfill our mission. There are big challenges to address in higher education and Capella University will continue to be a leader in addressing them."

Dr. Senese received his PhD from the University of Minnesota through the Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology program within Department of Educational Psychology. He is a licensed psychologist and active in community affairs in his native Minnesota.

About Capella University

Capella University (www.capella.edu) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Founded in 1993, the university is dedicated to providing flexible, professionally aligned online degree programs designed to help working adults advance in their careers. As of September 30, 2016, more than 37,500 students were enrolled in Capella's bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. Known for its commitment to learner success, academic quality and innovations in online education, Capella pioneered competency-based direct assessment programs allowing students to learn at their own pace. Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company CPLA. For more information, call 1.888.CAPELLA (888.227.3552).

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