A community leader, philanthropist, educator and business executive, Dr. Kathleen H. Goeppinger, PhD, president and CEO of Midwestern University, will be honored for her commitment to community and the West Valley October 2. 

“I am excited to honor Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger as West Valley Women’s 2018 Woman of the Year,” said Lisa E. Platt, CEO and Chief Connection Officer, West Valley Women. “Dr. Goeppinger is active in the community, well known, respected and empowers those around her.  Under her leadership, Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus has grown into a world-renowned Osteopathic Medical School.  I love that she gives with her heart to make the world a better place.” 

Dr. Goeppinger has extensive business and administrative experience. Prior to her appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern, Dr. Goeppinger was a tenured Professor and Director at Loyola University Chicago for the Institute of Industrial Relations and Center for Organizational Development.

She has served Midwestern University since 1985, initially serving on its Board of Trustees, and as Chair of the Board. In 1995, she was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and is accountable for the growth and development of the University’s academic programs, campus and community relations on both campuses.

Dr. Goeppinger is active in many community organizations including the Board of Trustees at Arizona Broadway Theatre.   Dr. Goeppinger is also a member of the Board of Directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, YWCA Maricopa County Honorary Board, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Independent Colleges and Universities of Arizona, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, and the Franciscan Alliance, Inc.

In 2013, she was named one of the “50 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” by Az Business magazine for her leadership, dedication, and impact on higher education.  In 2015, the Arizona Business Leaders awarded Dr. Goeppinger with the Arizona Business Leader of the Year Award.

Her professional affiliations include American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities, American Association of University Women, American Association for Higher Education, American Council on Education, American Osteopathic Association, Arizona Town Hall Association, Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities, The Center for Academic Integrity, Glendale Community College Presidents’ Circle, Glendale Rotary Club and Greater Phoenix Leadership. 

The Community is invited to join the festivities.  Information and reservations are available at westvalleywomen.org or call 602-573-7496.