Driving Positive Impact Through Digital Transformation and Flexible Learning

Michael Betz’s long-standing career and expertise in higher education helps further position Adtalem Global Education and Walden University as a leading innovator in online learning, helping provide continued access to high quality, flexible degree programs that enable student success and advance professional ambitions.

Serving in dual roles as chief digital officer and as president of Walden University, Betz’s visionary approach and commitment to the development of new technologies will continue to accelerate growth and improve student outcomes across Adtalem. Betz empowers his teams to drive innovations that deliver a unique customer experience, empower Adtalem staff and faculty and build on our market-leading position in a variety of areas including nursing, medicine and behavioral health education. Collaborating with Adtalem institutions and business partners, Betz is committed to enhancing student and customer support operations and optimizing the student learning experience.  

Prior to joining Adtalem, Betz served as a partner at McKinsey & Co. where he played a critical role in leading McKinsey’s higher education and growth transformation practices. He supported numerous clients on business areas related to customer experience, advanced analytics, and technology-driven innovation. Betz’s strategic mindset helped develop and grow McKinsey’s education practice, providing invaluable counsel to all clients. Betz’s career encompasses more than 15 years of experience at technology-driven higher education companies. Prior to McKinsey, Betz served as senior vice president, chief marketing officer, and head of strategy at Strayer University, where he led an enterprise technology transformation program. Before Strayer, he served as the chief marketing officer of Pansophic Education, leading the company’s global marketing and growth strategies. He also served as an executive at Ellucian, a leading education software company.  

Betz’s dedication to higher education and passion for student success goes beyond his career. He is actively involved in his community and currently serves as an advisor and volunteer to a DC-based community development organization.  

Betz earned his master’s degrees in business administration and public affairs from the University of Texas and his Bachelor of Science in foreign service from Georgetown University.