Capella University Leadership

Christopher Cassirer, ScD

Acting President

Christopher Cassirer brings extensive leadership experience in education, human services, and business to his role as acting president of Capella University, which he assumed in 2008. He was also elected to Capella University’s Board of Directors in 2008. He is an internationally recognized teacher, researcher, and business leader with expertise in executive leadership programs, business and management strategy, medical malpractice risk management, and patient safety. He joined Capella University's School of Human Services as a faculty director in 2005 and was appointed dean of the school in 2006. Previously, Cassirer was an associate professor and director in the Department of Health Services Management and Leadership at The George Washington University; chair of executive studies and associate professor of healthcare management at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management; co-founder and former CEO of the Partnership for Patient Safety in Chicago; and assistant vice president for knowledge services with MMI Companies Inc. in Deerfield, Ill.

Cassirer completed his Doctor of Science in Health Policy and Management and his post-doctoral training at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. He holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from the Yale University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University.

Deborah Bushway, PhD

Acting Dean, Harold Abel School of Psychology

Deborah Bushway was appointed acting dean of Capella's Harold Abel School of Psychology in 2008, having previously served as the school's associate dean. Bushway has more than 20 years of experience in psychology and higher education, including 17 years with Metropolitan State University, where she was full professor and served as chair of the Psychology Department. While there, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Carol C. Ryan Advising Award. She also continues to practice psychology as a licensed clinician. Bushway earned both her Master of Science in Psychology and PhD in Psychology from Iowa State University. She had authored numerous articles, book chapters and conference presentations throughout her career.

Kurt Linberg, PhD

Dean, School of Business and Technology

Kurt Linberg, dean of the School of Business and Technology, previously served as a faculty member and program director of IT programs. He joined Capella in 2000, and in 2001 became the founding dean of the School of Technology where he managed the ongoing development of the bachelor's and master's in information technology programs.

In July 2004, Linberg assumed leadership of the graduate programs in the combined School of Business and Technology.

Prior to his focus in higher education, Linberg spent nearly 20 years in software development and project management with Fortune 500 companies. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in applied management and decision sciences from Walden University. He has the Master of Science in software engineering from the University of St. Thomas and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics from the University of Wisconsin. He has published eight papers and holds seven patents for mission-critical implementation in the medal and education fields. He currently serves on the executive committee of the National University Telecommunications Network and the executive committee of the National Society of IT education.

Harry McLenighan, EdD

Dean, School of Education

Harry McLenighan joined the leadership team of Capella University's School of Education in the fall of 2002 as faculty chair for Leadership in Educational Administration. From 2003 to 2006, he served as Capella's faculty director for K-12 program development and delivery, leading the team that designed and implemented the university's Master of Science program for K–12 teachers. He was appointed interim dean of Capella's School of Education in 2006 and accepted the permanent position in 2007. Prior to joining Capella, McLenighan served as site coordinator and instructor for the Minnesota principal and superintendent certification program at Saint Mary's University in Minneapolis, from 1999 to 2002. He co-developed and taught the Master of Science in Activities Administration program for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul between 1991 to 1999. McLenighan also has 30 years of experience in K–12 teaching and administration. He has a Master of Arts in English & Instruction and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, both from the University of St. Thomas.

Paula Stechschulte, PhD

Acting Dean, School of Human Services

Paula Stechschulte, who has more than 30 years of academic and professional health care experience, is the acting dean of Capella University’s School of Human Services. She joined Capella in August 2006 as associate dean. Prior to joining Capella, she served as director of ambulatory care at Hermann Hospital and University of Texas in Houston, and as chief operating officer at Rockford Health Systems in Rockford, Illinois. Paula holds a PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University, a Masters of Science in Business from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Eastern Michigan University.

Feranda Williamson, EdD

Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies

Feranda Williamson was appointed dean of Capella's School of Undergraduate Studies in 2007, having previously served as the school’s associate dean. Prior to joining Capella in 2005, Williamson held leadership positions at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. From 1998 to 2004, she served as the college’s dean of continuing education and from 2004 to 2005, as dean of career programs. During her time there, she was an Outstanding Education Administrator award recipient from the 7th Congressional District. She previously was employed by Robert Morris College from 1981–1998, first as a member of the business faculty and then as associate dean/program director. Since 1994, Williamson has also served as president/CEO of the ECC Music Workshop/Chicago Mass Choir, an award-winning, Grammy-nominated gospel choir. Williamson received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois; her Master of Arts in Adult Education from Roosevelt University in Chicago; and her Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.