About UMGC

Angela Besendorfer, EdD, is UMGC’s first chief learning experience and success officer (CLESO). In this role, she leads the university’s work to deliver a seamless, learner-first experience for more than 100,000 students worldwide. Her portfolio includes academic success, student affairs, digital engagement, and workforce readiness, with a focus on aligning enterprise resources, technology, and operations around student success priorities.

Dr. Besendorfer brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across higher education, workforce development, and K‑12 education. She joined UMGC from AstrumU, where she served as chief impact officer and general manager of Skills to Work, leading national initiatives that advanced skills-based hiring and AI-driven talent intelligence for under-resourced communities. She previously served as executive vice president of KC Scholars, supporting expanded educational access for low- and modest-income learners, and held multiple senior leadership roles at Western Governors University, including regional vice president; interim academic vice president and dean of the Teachers College; and chancellor of WGU Missouri.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Besendorfer held significant leadership positions in K‑12 education, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and director of Special Services. She began her career as a classroom teacher and has been recognized nationally with honors such as the National Milken Educator Award and the Missouri Governor’s Leadership Coin.

Dr. Besendorfer holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri Southern State College, an MS in elementary administration from Central Missouri State University, and an EdD in educational leadership from the University of Missouri–Columbia.