ADRIAN — As Siena Heights University prepares to close, its former president is out and a longtime administrator is taking on the job of leading the university through its final year.

Dr. Cheri Betz, who was announced as the university’s new president on Sept. 11, said she is committed to making sure the university’s final chapter is an honorable one that upholds its legacy.

“I am here to serve,” she said in a press release. “The year ahead of us is a critical one in that we uphold our promise of an honorable closure. I will not waver in my commitment to students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make our final chapter one that honors the legacy of the institution.”

Betz has been in leadership at Siena Heights for more than 20 years. She was named executive vice president in 2024, and prior to that, her roles included serving as vice president of enrollment and dean of the online learning program.

She replaces Dr. Douglas Palmer, who had been president since July 2023. In a statement, Siena Heights board chair Harry “Dusty” Steele said that the university is grateful to Palmer for his service and fully confident in Betz’s experience and commitment to Siena Heights.

Sister Elise Garcia, OP, prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, said that Betz “has a depth and breadth of experience and love of Siena to lead students, faculty and staff with joy, intelligence and sensitivity through a very challenging final year that could also be richly rewarding.”

Betz holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Olivet Nazarene University, a master’s in organizational leadership from Siena Heights University, and a doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. She is a member of the board of trustees for Olivet Nazarene University and a Goodwill Ambassador for Goodwill Industries Southeast Michigan.