Dr. Widener joined Columbus State in September 2025 to lead enrollment management
as part of the Division of Student Engagement. She possesses nearly two decades of
experience in student affairs, enrollment strategy and academic administration, including
her previous appointment at the University of West Georgia. She holds a doctoral degree
in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a
master’s in psychology from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s in psychology
from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She is a nationally recognized expert
in enrollment management, curriculum innovation and student development. Dr. Widener
is a 2020-22 University System of Georgia Faculty Fellow for High Impact Practices
in Service-Learning and a member of the prestigious USG Executive Leadership Institute
(2022-23).
