Executive coaching is designed in a way that benefits both the leader and the institution. Therefore, Academic Search believes executive coaching should be approached from a systems perspective and in the context in which the leader is leading.
We believe that leadership is learned through ongoing practice, reflection, action and assessment. Thus, leadership always occurs in a particular context, leads to action, and has an impact to be evaluated.
Leading colleges and universities today is both noble and daunting work. We created our Executive Coaching Practice based on this philosophy so that presidents and senior leaders have professional and qualified leadership companions and guides on the leadership journey. We are committed to the effectiveness, sustainability and well-being of new and incumbent presidents and senior leaders. We believe that both the interiority of leaders and the exterior demands of institutional leadership are complementary.
LEADER-FIRST APPROACH
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
MEET OUR SENIOR EXECUTIVE COACHES
John Reynders
Senior Executive Coach
John.Reynders@academicsearch.org
Mr. John Reynders brings over 40 years of higher education experience to his role as Senior Executive Coach. Most recently, he was Morningside University’s longest-serving President, having served the institution for 22 years. Prior to his tenure at Morningside, he served in a variety of administrative roles at Allegheny College, including Vice President for Enrollment, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Vice President for Administrative Services. Additionally, he worked for 8 years with George Dehne & Associates as consultant in admissions and financial aid strategic initiatives, serving over 30 institutions.
Mr. Reynders’ service at Morningside was truly a time of institutional transformation. He oversaw the institution’s highly successful move from NCAA Division II to the NAIA; oversaw 2 capital campaigns, raising over $150 million; oversaw overall enrollment double; and, presided over a $70 million campus renovation. Known for his involvement in the community, as well as on campus, Mr. Reynders forged partnerships with local entities leading to the creation of a nationally recognized agriculture program and, recently, the launch of an aviation program.
Mr. Reynders served on numerous local boards, chaired the Iowa Council of Presidents, chaired the NAIA Council of Presidents, and served on the CIC Board of Directors.
Mr. Reynders received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Allegheny College and recently received Honorary Doctoral degrees from Morningside University and Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan.
Mr. Reynders brings a wealth of knowledge in building campus cultures of excellence with an emphasis on collaborative strategic planning and accountability, with a “play hard, work hard” style.
EXECUTIVE COACHING OFFERINGS
Whether a seasoned president or new to an executive role, our Executive Coaching Process is designed to customize and optimize your experience to advance your leadership and institutional goals.
We offer executive coaching to individual seasoned leaders, individual new or transitioning leaders, and cabinet and senior leadership teams, as well as assessment debriefs.
To learn more, please fill out our form to contact our Practice Leader.
“I absolutely believe that people, unless coached, never reach their maximum capabilities.”
“Coaches are your external eyes and ears, providing a more accurate picture of your reality. So, “It’s not just how good you are now, it’s how good you’re going to be that really matters.”
“A sense of purpose provides an ongoing capacity to generate possibilities… and to find the values that make risk-taking meaningful.”
1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036-2657
Phone: 202-332-4049
Fax: 202-234- 7640
