Michael Betz was named president of 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, 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.