Debra Townsley

Debra M. Townsley is an American academic administrator who served as interim president of Albright College since 2024. She was previously president of Nichols College from 1998 to 2010, William Peace University from 2010 to 2015, and Labouré College from 2018 to 2019. Throughout her career, she led significant institutional changes, including expanding academic programs and transitioning Peace College to a coeducational institution.

Life Townsley grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned bachelor's degrees from American University, a M.A. in psychology and a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of Vermont, and a M.B.A. from George Washington University.

Townsley began her career at IBM and Booz Allen Hamilton before transitioning to academia at Marymount University. After three years, she became an assistant professor and chair of the accounting and data processing departments at Northern Virginia Community College, where she also taught business. In 1998, she became its sixth president, the first woman to hold the role. During the 2008 financial crisis, Townsley navigated the institution through economic challenges with financial planning. During her tenure, the college underwent significant changes, including renaming the institution William Peace University and allowing men to enroll in its day programs starting in 2012. While supported by the board, her administration faced criticism from some faculty, students, and alumnae regarding reduced faculty numbers and various campus issues.

Additional presidencies In February 2017, Townsley became the interim president of Wheeling Jesuit College. She was succeeded by Lily Hsu on July 1, 2019. On July 1, 2024, she became the interim president of Albright College.