Debra M. Townsley is an American academic administrator who served as president of Nichols College from 1998 to 2010, William Peace University from 2010 to 2015, and Labouré College from 2018 to 2019. Throughout her career, she led significant institutional changes, including expanding academic programs and transitioning Peace College to a coeducational institution.
Debra Townsley | |
|---|---|
| 7th President of Labouré College | |
| In office 2018 – June 30, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Jack P. Calareso |
| Succeeded by | Lily Hsu |
| 10th President of William Peace University | |
| In office 2010 – June 30, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Laura C. Bingham |
| 6th President of Nichols College | |
| In office 1998–2010 | |
| Preceded by | James J. Darazsdi |
| Succeeded by | Gerald Fels (interim) |
| Personal details | |
| Education | American University University of Vermont George Washington University |
Life
editTownsley grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[1] She earned bachelor's degrees from American University, a M.A. in psychology and a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of Vermont, and a M.B.A. from George Washington University.[1][2]
Townsley began her career at IBM and Booz Allen Hamilton before transitioning to academia at Marymount University.[3] After three years, she became an assistant professor and chair of the accounting and data processing departments at Northern Virginia Community College, where she also taught business.[3] Townsley later served as director of undergraduate and graduate management studies at Saint Michael's College.[3] She joined Nichols College as dean of academic affairs.[4] In 1998, she became its sixth president, the first woman to hold the role.[4] Under her leadership, the college introduced new academic specializations, including arts and entertainment, and expanded its facilities with new residence halls, an athletic center, and apartment-style senior suites.[5] During the 2008 financial crisis, Townsley navigated the institution through economic challenges with financial planning.[5] Nichols College maintained its position as the largest Master of Business Administration program in Central Massachusetts during this period.[5] She resigned in 2010.[4]
In 2010, Townsley became the tenth president of Peace College, succeeding Laura C. Bingham.[6] During her tenure, the college underwent significant changes, including renaming the institution William Peace University and allowing men to enroll in its day programs starting in 2012.[6] Under her leadership, the university experienced increased enrollment.[7] While supported by the board, her administration faced criticism from some faculty, students, and alumnae regarding reduced faculty numbers and various campus issues.[7] Townsley announced her retirement in 2013, declining an extension of her contract.[7] She retired on June 30, 2015.[8] In February 2017, Townsley became the interim president of Wheeling Jesuit College.[1] In the spring of 2018, she became the seventh president of Labouré College, succeeding Jack P. Calareso.[9] She was succeeded by Lily Hsu on July 1, 2019.[10] On July 1, 2024, she became the interim president of Albright College.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c King, Joselyn (February 26, 2017). "Debra Townsley In as Interim President at Wheeling Jesuit University". theintelligencer.net. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ "Debra Townsley Selected to Lead Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania". Women In Academia Report. 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ a b c d "Debra Townsley named interim president at Albright College". The Latrobe Bulletin. 2024-07-05. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ a b c "Nichols College president leaving for NC job". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. April 23, 2010. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ a b c "Q&A with Debra Townsley, head of Nichols College, Dudley". Worcester Business Journal. December 8, 2008. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ a b Lee, Brian (August 26, 2011). "Ex-Nichols chief faces opposition". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ a b c Rivard, Ry. "Two Lenses". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ Bass, Brittany (2014-11-10). "President Townsley announces retirement, students offer opinions". Peace Times Media. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ "Labouré College Names Seventh President: Dr. Debra Townsley". www.laboure.edu. September 25, 2018. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ Dubé, Christy Mach; Murphy, Evelyn; Rosa, Marta; Silbert, Andrea (2019). "Women's Power Gap in Higher Education" (PDF). Women's Power Gap. Eos Foundation. p. 52. Retrieved 2024-09-06.