The Other 85 Percent

Michael J. Offerman, EdD

Michael J. Offerman was appointed interim president of Capella University in 2010, after serving as vice president, external initiatives since 2007. He previously led the University as president from 2001 – 2007, while also serving as senior vice president of Capella Education Company. He has an extensive background in adult and distance learning and is a frequent speaker at national conferences on these topics. He has led a national consumer information and accountability effort for colleges and universities serving adult students at a distance known as Transparency by Design, that publishes the website College Choices for Adults.org.

Prior to joining Capella, Offerman held continuing education leadership positions at the University of Arizona and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He was also dean of the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Wisconsin-Extension and founding executive director of the University of Wisconsin Learning Innovations Center. Offerman received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy Studies at Northern Illinois University. He has served on a number of national boards including the American Council on Education, the University Continuing Education Association, and the editorial board of Change Magazine.