Leslie M. Petty, Ed.D.

Dr. Leslie M. Petty, Ed.D., is a distinguished higher education leader, administrator, and advocate for educational access with more than three decades of experience driving institutional excellence and student success. As Dean of the School of Academic Advancement at Madison Area Technical College, she leads academic and administrative initiatives across multiple programs, overseeing strategic planning, organizational management, faculty development, assessment, and fiscal stewardship. Throughout her career, Dr. Petty has earned a reputation for championing equity, inclusion, and belonging while building collaborative partnerships that expand educational opportunities for diverse and historically underrepresented populations. Her expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational leadership has enabled institutions to strengthen student outcomes, enhance operational effectiveness, and develop innovative pathways to academic and career success.

Prior to joining Madison Area Technical College, Dr. Petty served in several senior leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, including Assistant Dean for the Evening, Executive, and Professional MBA Programs and Interim Assistant Dean for the undergraduate business program. There, she led multimillion-dollar operations, introduced innovative graduate program models, advanced digital transformation initiatives, expanded diversity and inclusion efforts, and significantly improved student recruitment, career advancement, and program rankings. Earlier in her career, she spent nearly a decade at Saint Xavier University as Dean of the School for Continuing and Professional Studies and Chief Campus Officer, where she dramatically expanded enrollment, launched successful adult degree programs, strengthened community college partnerships, and enhanced the educational experience for working adult learners. Her career began in student affairs and teaching, providing a strong foundation in student-centered leadership that continues to shape her approach today.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Petty is deeply committed to community service and workforce development. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, a certified parliamentarian through the National Association of Parliamentarians, and an active leader in organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. She serves in leadership roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, where she helps advance workforce readiness and skilled trades initiatives for youth, and has been recognized for her commitment to equity and community impact, including receiving the University of Wisconsin–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Award. Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, Dr. Petty remains dedicated to empowering faculty, staff, and students while creating innovative, accessible educational pathways that foster lifelong learning, economic mobility, and lasting community transformation.