Academic Search welcomes new consultants

10 New Members Join Academic Search’s Consulting Team

June 2023

We have experienced great growth in our capacity to serve higher education. As we continue to expand our reach across the academy, we are thrilled to welcome our largest cohort of executive search consultants: Dr. Dorothy (Dee Dee) Campbell; Mr. Rodney S. Clark; Dr. Alan Cureton; Dr. Daniel A. DiBiasio; Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban; Dr. Rebecca L. Lynch; Ms. Lisa A. Ryan; Mr. Stephen D. Schutt; Dr. Tara Singer; and Dr. Margaret H. Venable.

Each of these individuals brings extensive experience across a variety of divisions within higher education, including at private, two-year and four-year public institutions, as well as a wide range of connections from which to garner potential nominations and candidate interest. We are excited to welcome them to our consulting team and look forward to their continued contributions to developing the next generation of higher education leaders.

Meet our new executive search consultants:

Dr. Dorothy (Dee Dee) Campbell

Dorothy (Dee Dee) Campbell, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant

Dr. Campbell is an accomplished academic administrator, having held various leadership roles throughout her higher education career, including as dean, interim vice president of academic affairs, and department chair (twice) at Indiana University Northwest. In addition, most recently, she served in a variety of interim positions through the Registry. With a strong commitment to student success and fostering diversity, Dr. Campbell has also made significant contributions to higher education-related organizations.

Mr. Rodney S. Clark

Rodney S. Clark

Senior Consultant

Mr. Clark brings over 25 years of experience. He has held key leadership positions at institutions such as Bristol Community College, the University of Washington Tacoma, and Pittsburgh Technical College, overseeing areas including admissions, enrollment services, and student affairs. Mr. Clark’s expertise also extends to faculty roles, search committee participation, and various aspects of institutional management.

Dr. Alan Cureton

Alan Cureton, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant

Dr. Cureton comes to Academic Search after serving for 20 years as President of University of Northwestern, St. Paul. Under his guidance, UNW experienced growth in enrollment, media presence, and academic excellence, while staying true to its Christian foundation. Dr. Cureton’s leadership expands beyond his presidency as he has served on numerous boards within higher education.

Dr. Daniel A. DiBiasio

Daniel A. DiBiasio, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant

Dr. DiBiasio has over 40 years of experience in higher education, including two presidencies at Ohio Northern University and Wilmington College, respectively. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, fundraising, program expansion, and community engagement. Dr. DiBiasio holds multiple degrees and honorary doctorates, and he continues to make significant contributions to the field of education.

Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban

A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant

Dr. Esteban most recently served as the 12th president of DePaul University and is a distinguished leader in higher education. At DePaul, he oversaw a large institution with a significant budget, thousands of students, and a dedicated faculty and staff. With a wealth of experience and notable achievements, Dr. Esteban is recognized for his commitment to diversity and has received prestigious honors throughout his career.

Dr. Rebecca Lynch

Rebecca L. Lynch, Ph.D.

Consultant

Dr. Lynch is an Adjunct Professor for the Bachelor of Organizational Leadership Program at South Texas College and prior to that, she served as Vice President of Curriculum, Program Development, and Faculty Affairs at DHR Health. Dr. Lynch has a passion for leadership within higher education and holds her Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Lisa A. Ryan

Lisa A. Ryan

Senior Consultant

Ms. Ryan is an accomplished executive search professional with a strong background in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing. With over three decades of experience, she has led successful searches for prestigious clients in various industries and has a particular affinity for academic institutions. Ms. Ryan’s expertise and involvement in industry associations and her role as a trustee of a higher education board showcase her dedication to the field.

Stephen D. Schutt

Stephen D. Schutt

Senior Consultant

Mr. Schutt served as the 13th President of Lake Forest College from 2001 to 2022, after holding the position of Vice President & Chief of Staff at the University of Pennsylvania. With a diverse background that includes journalism, law, government service, and strategic planning, Mr. Schutt made significant contributions to Lake Forest College and played a key role in shaping the University of Pennsylvania’s initiatives.

Dr. Tara S. Singer

Tara S. Singer, Ed.D.

Senior Consultant

Dr. Singer most recently served as the National President and Chief Executive Officer of Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Society. With 20 years of leadership experience in the organization, she serves as a trustee of the ODK Society and Educational Foundation. Prior to that, Dr. Singer held the position of Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Indiana State University, where she managed budgets, developed successful marketing campaigns, and created alumni engagement programs. She has also coordinated conferences and contributed to publications.

Dr. Margaret H. Venable

Margaret H. Venable, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant

Dr. Venable has 30 years of experience in higher education, primarily in public institutions. She recently retired from the University System of Georgia, where she held various roles, including her eight-year tenure as President of Dalton State College. Her research interests focus on leadership development, diversity in higher education, and science education. Throughout her career, Dr. Venable has successfully managed budgetary challenges, led institutional consolidations, and navigated the complexities of higher education.

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