ADRIAN, MI – The small Catholic college in southern Michigan slated to close its doors after this school year will end its century-long history with a new president.

Siena Heights announced Cheri Betz as its new chief administrator on Thursday, Sept. 11.

First named SHU’s executive president in 2024, according to a news release , she previously oversaw all academic and operational functions in the Adrian, its online education platform and its service catering to incarcerated students in correctional facilities.

Now, Betz replaces Douglas Palmer, whose announcement of Siena’s future closure this summer first rocked the university’s alumni and campus communities.

SHU did not name a reason for Palmer’s departure as the private, 1,800-student institution looks to rein in its higher edu

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