Committed to IDENTIFYING AND DEVELOPING LEADERS in HIGHER EDUCATION for 50 YEARS

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Academic Search was founded in 1976 on the principle that higher education leaders would have unparalleled insight, knowledge, and wisdom to lend to institutions as they sought new leaders. After 50 years, we remain dedicated to supporting colleges and universities in identifying, recruiting, and developing leaders for lasting institutional strength.

Competencies for the College Presidency

Leading the Way in Understanding Higher Education Leadership Competencies

Drawing insights from a survey of over 700 college and university presidents, we have identified the key leadership traits essential for success in today’s complex and evolving higher education landscape. Understanding these competencies enables more effective leadership placements, enhances leadership development programs, and strengthens institutional resilience and community.

Learn More About the Study

Access the Webinar Recording and Materials

Our Services

EXECUTIVE SEARCH
We serve as your partner in a collaborative search effort, interacting extensively with your search committee to assist with organizing and managing the search, bringing a keen understanding of higher education.

EXECUTIVE COACHING
Leading institutions today is both noble and daunting work. Our executive coaching practice is based on this philosophy, offering senior leaders professional and qualified companions and guides on the leadership journey.

TRANSITION AND ONBOARDING
We work with institutions to establish a strategy that is custom-made to the specific desires of the institution and the appointee, building a path to long-term success for the new leader.

Who We Are

At Academic Search, our team consists of seasoned higher education executives who are wholeheartedly committed to enhancing the higher education landscape through their collective expertise. Drawing from our extensive experiences, our team offers a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to our mission.

50

years of service

1,600

years of combined higher education experience amongst our team

2,600+

completed executive searches

900+

completed presidential searches

300+

executive coaching engagements

Featured Appointments

Dr. Kristin Ashford

Dean of Nursing

Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Julie Baldwin

Dean of the College of the Sciences

Central Washington University

Dr. Jordan Barkley

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Stephen F. Austin University

Dr. Allen Bedford

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Fairmont State University

Dr. Stuart Benkert

Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

Trevor Block

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Hamline University

Steven J. Bridges

President

University of Southern Indiana

Amber Elaine Cox

Associate Secretary

Phi Beta Kappa Society

Dr. Matthew Daum

Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Michigan State University

Dr. Natalya Delcoure

Dean of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business

Tarleton State University

Dr. Suri Duitch

President

Kingsborough Community College

Dr. Kara Fenne

Associate Dean of the Borra College of Health Sciences

Dominican University

Dr. Elizabeth Gmitter

Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Valparaiso University

Dr. Ronald Hickman

Dean of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

Case Western Reserve University

Dr. Jerome Hilscher

Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Deputy Chief Information Officer

Fresno State

Dr. Alan Kallmeyer

Dean of the College of Engineering

North Dakota State University

Dr. Jessica Lavariega Monforti

Provost

California State University, Channel Islands

Dr. Bethany Meighan

President

Concord University

Anthony Muscat

Provost

California State University, East Bay

Dr. Ritu Raju

President

South Central College

Dr. Christopher M. Redfearn

Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities

Central Washington University

Dr. José Gabriel Ricardo-Osorio

Dean of the College of Public Service

University of Houston-Downtown

Dr. Sarah Saxton

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Administration

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Teisha Simmons

Dean of the College of Indigenous Studies

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Dr. Anita Thomas

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Meredith College

Dr. Jared Tice

President

Capital University

Dr. Laura Treanor

President

Virginia Western Community College

Dr. Jason Vest

Dean of the College of Arts & Media

Sam Houston State University

Dr. Jill Willberg

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

University of Illinois Springfield

Dr. Sumanth Yenduri

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Sam Houston State University

Ryan Zapalac

Dean of the College of Health Sciences

Sam Houston State University

Recently Launched Searches

Endowed Chair in Real Estate

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Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

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President

Open Position Details

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Open Position Details

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