Current Position and Past Experience
Richard Senese has been President of Capella University since November 2016, following a year’s tenure as the institution’s Interim President and Chief Academic Officer. From 2015 to 2016, Dr. Senese served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. A longtime educator and community development expert, Dr. Senese is committed to adult education, ensures that Capella’s programming serves learners as they seek to advance their careers. As President, Dr. Senese is responsible for building out Capella University’s FlexPath program, which allows students to work through course at their own pace, and for building partnerships with businesses and employers within the community. Previously, Dr. Senese served in leadership roles at the University of Minnesota Extension and taught at a number of Minnesota-based institutions, including St. Olaf College, Metropolitan State University and the College of St. Scholastica. From 2000-2001, he served as Associate Dean of the School of Psychology at Capella University.

Education, Honors and Achievements
Dr. Sense is a licensed psychologist, and holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He attained an M.A. in Educational Psychology and Counseling and a B.A. cum laude in Psychology and Political Sciences from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Personal Details and Community Involvement
Since January 2012, Dr. Senese has served on the board of the Center for Victims of Torture and is currently the vice-chair. He is a Minnesota native, hailing from the Iron Range and is very active with community affairs.

Connect
You can connect with Dr. Senese on LinkedIn.