Donna Asher

Dr. Donna Asher is a visionary and strategic executive with over three decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education in the areas of human resources, finance, and academic administration. She currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of People and Culture at the University of North Texas System, where she leads the strategic development and operational execution of human capital and workplace culture initiatives across the enterprise. In this role, Dr. Asher provides counsel to senior leaders and spearheads system-wide strategies focused on talent management, employee engagement, total rewards, and organizational culture.

Holding a Ph.D. in Information Science, an MBA in Human Resources Management, and a BS in Accounting, Dr. Asher combines academic rigor with practical insight and experience. She holds two national professional HR certifications of Senior HR Professional (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She has led major organizational transformations, implemented enterprise technologies, and developed award-winning onboarding and talent development programs. Her leadership has been recognized for creating high-performing cultures and aligning operational practices with organizational goals.

Previously, Dr. Asher served in a variety of senior roles, including Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration/Business Services, where she led the first shared services unit that included procurement, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, information systems, budget planning, policy management, and process improvement; and Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer, where she expanded HR service offerings and significantly improved operational efficiencies. Her earlier leadership roles at UNT also included Vice Provost for Academic Resources serving as the chief academic human resources and budget officer managing a budget of $200m and developing and championing innovative faculty support programs and space planning initiatives.

With a strong foundation in human resources, academic administration, and financial management, Dr. Asher is deeply committed to cultivating people-centered workplaces that promote excellence, drive continuous growth, and align with the educational mission—while ensuring fiscal responsibility.