News Releases
Capella University Appoints Dr. Barbara Butts Williams as School of Education Dean
Online university is one of few to offer MBA with this combined focus
MINNEAPOLIS, April 29, 2009 – Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited* online university that has built its reputation by providing quality graduate education for adults, has named Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, as dean of its School of Education. Dr. Butts Williams joined Capella in 2002 and has served in a variety of academic leadership positions, most recently as interim and associate dean with the university's School of Business and Technology. As dean, she will she will act as chief academic officer of the School of Education, which offers four graduate-level online degree programs with 24 specializations.
Butts Williams has more than 30 years of management and leadership experience, including a decade in higher education leadership roles. She previously served as director of executive programs for the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and on the executive education advisory council of the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. Her corporate experience includes executive education and management positions at The St. Paul Companies (now Travelers), Control Data Corporation (now Ceridian), and Wilson Learning Corporation. She also founded Growth Partners Consulting and was a governor appointee to the Minnesota Board of Social Work and The Metropolitan Council. Butts Williams earned her Master of Arts in Business and Leadership from Hamline University, and her Master of Arts in Organization Development and Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University.
"In Barbara's seven years with Capella, she has been a dynamic leader who has been instrumental in the development and success of many of our School of Business and Technology programs," said Christopher Cassirer, president of Capella University. "We're pleased she will now be bringing her unique qualifications and innovative perspective to our School of Education."
About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for working adults. Eighty-three percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 114 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. More than 24,000 learners were enrolled as of Sept. 30, 2008, from all 50 states and 45 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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