ACADEMIC SEARCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
An acknowledged higher education leader with over three decades of experience in the U.S. and overseas, Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban is President Emeritus at DePaul University where he served as the first lay president in its history from 2017-22. Under his leadership, the university experienced record freshmen enrollment, initiated nationally recognized retention and persistence initiatives, enrolled the most diverse student populations in its history, and added new academic programs including degrees in applied diplomacy, nursing, health and medical sciences, and engineering. Under his stewardship, DePaul set records in fundraising, maintained positive operating margins, and saw historic increases in the endowment, resulting in an upgrade in its bond ratings.
Before he was named President at DePaul, Dr. Esteban served as President and Provost of Seton Hall University. Under his leadership, Seton Hall opened the only private medical school in New Jersey, started work on a new campus, and invested in new facilities on the main campus while eliminating deferred maintenance. Seton Hall also significantly increased the size and selectivity of its freshman classes, initiated award-winning retention and persistence programs, set records in fundraising, and generated positive operating margins.
Prior to joining Seton Hall, Dr. Esteban also served in senior leadership positions at public universities as provost, dean of business, and associate vice president for academic affairs.
At the national level, Dr. Esteban served on various boards including the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Schools as Treasurer, on the NCAA Division I Presidents Forum, Commissioner on the Commission of Inclusion of the American Council on Education, and Vice-Chair of the board of the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education. Dr. Esteban has chaired regional accreditation visits for NEASC, WASC, and HLC where he also served on the Accreditation Review Council. Dr. Esteban has also chaired numerous NCAA visiting teams for institutions transitioning from Division II to Division I.
Dr. Esteban has been recognized for his accomplishments by various groups around the country including the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, the University of California, Irvine, and was invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.
Dr. Esteban received his Ph.D. in administration from the University of California, Irvine, an M.S. in Japanese business studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu, and an MBA and B.S. in mathematics from the University of the Philippines.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Research Associate
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman / President, York College
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- President, San Jose State University
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Dr. Daniel A. DiBiasio has over 40 years of experience in higher education. He most recently served as the 11th President of Ohio Northern University from 2011-2022. Prior to that appointment, he served as President of Wilmington College for 16 years from 1995-2011.
He began his career in 1974 at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT, where he served as an Admissions Counselor and Dean of Students until 1978 when he enrolled in graduate school. After earning his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1982, he was appointed Assistant Dean of Ohio State's Graduate School. He was an Executive Officer of the Council of Presidents for the New England Land Grant Universities from 1984-87. At the University of New Hampshire, Dr. DiBiasio served as Executive Assistant to the President from 1987-91 and Chief Student Affairs Officer from 1991-95. During his career, Dr. DiBiasio has taught courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, published in academic journals, and given scholarly presentations at national and regional conferences.
Notable achievements during his recent presidency at ONU include effective strategic and master planning initiatives, successful fundraising for capital projects and endowment growth, expanding and renovating campus facilities, adding academic and co-curricular programs to increase enrollment and retention, and enhancing the value of high-impact learning, service, and civic engagement as educational priorities.
Dr. DiBiasio has held many leadership roles in higher education, serving on boards at the national and state levels, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the NCAA Division III President's Council, and chairing the boards of the Educational and Institutional Insurance Administrators (EIIA) and Ohio Campus Compact. He also served the local community during his terms on the boards of Liberty Bank and Lima Memorial Hospital.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master's and Ph.D. from Ohio State University College of Education. He was awarded honorary doctorates from both Wilmington College and Ohio Northern University and was named President Emeritus of ONU upon his retirement. Ohio Wesleyan University awarded him a Distinguished Alumni Citation in 2021.
Dr. DiBiasio is married to Chris Burns-DiBiasio, who also received an honorary doctorate from ONU in 2022 for her community relations work. They reside in Williston, VT, and have two sons and daughters-in-law, Matthew and Devon, and Michael and Sarah, and two grandchildren, Eddie and Eleanor.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Dr. Alan S. Cureton joined the Academic Search senior consulting team a year after retiring from the presidency of Northwestern University - St. Paul. During his efficacious 20 years as UNW's president, Dr. Cureton oversaw tremendous growth in academic excellence and fiscal health while holding firmly to Northwestern's Christ-centered foundation. As a highly sought-after advisor for various higher education topics, Dr. Cureton now lends his expert knowledge and experience to Academic Search and its partner institutions.
Dr. Cureton pursued a Christian education degree in his undergraduate studies while starring on the football team at Sterling College in Kansas. In his four-year career with the Warriors, Dr. Cureton started every game and earned all-conference honors. Dr. Cureton views his role in education similarly to his time on the gridiron: as a lineman, he aimed to create pathways for others to succeed. Likewise, as an educator and administrator, Dr. Cureton's purpose was to do the same, and he hopes to continue that mission as a senior consultant.
Under Dr. Cureton's leadership, Northwestern - St. Paul saw a nearly 40-percent increase in total enrollment, plus the addition of several undergraduate degrees and the re-establishment of Graduate Studies at Northwestern. In addition, five major buildings were completed in the Cureton era, including a media center, performance hall, student life center, and more. In the fall of 2014, NWU completed Reynolds Field, a sprawling athletic complex with six tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and a football/soccer/lacrosse field. Dr. Cureton was also president when Northwestern welcomed the addition of the Wilson Center for the School of Nursing, a new residence hall (Akenson Hall), and Rosedale Square for the School of Engineering. These significant expansions and improvements highlight Dr. Cureton's proficiency in strategic and financial planning.
Dr. Cureton's expertise in various areas of higher education makes him a popular keynote and conference speaker, particularly for student affairs and advancement conferences for commissions of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). He has been a featured speaker at engagements in South Korea, Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, Mongolia, and Northern Ireland. Dr. Cureton was also president of Northwestern Media, a media ministry of the University of Northwestern - St. Paul. The media ministry reaches more than a million listeners weekly-on the air and worldwide over the Internet-through 23 radio stations that offer encouraging and uplifting music, biblical teaching, and dynamic listener engagement.
As a senior consultant, Dr. Cureton looks forward to applying his years of experience in a new realm of higher education. By using his vast network and building meaningful relationships with search committee members and administrations, Dr. Cureton is confident he can help institutions recruit and hire outstanding candidates who will lead colleges and universities to success.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Dr. Anne Briggs brings a plethora of higher education knowledge from the student and faculty perspective, as well as a breadth of leadership and social understanding, to every search she performs. Moreover, the decades Dr. Briggs dedicated to social work, team building, and management helped mold her robust skillset. These attributes, combined with her passion for higher education and the opportunities it provides, prove advantageous in her work with Academic Search.
Dr. Briggs earned her two bachelor's degrees from Bucknell University and a master's in social work from Boston College before pursuing her remarkable career in clinical social work and nonprofit management. Dr. Briggs spent many years working with children, families, and adults in behavioral health, particularly during times of crises and transitions. Along with her counseling services, Dr. Briggs was responsible for leading projects and utilizing her impressive management skills at various clinics. For example, at Family & Children's Agency in Connecticut, where Dr. Briggs served for 15 years, she strategically developed innovative and sustainable programs that streamlined data collection and reporting systems, improved the quality of services, and effectively met funding compliance requirements.
Dr. Briggs continued to branch out in her work and took on key leadership roles, including Associate Director of Counseling Services, Manager of Grants, and Director of Quality Improvement and Program Development. Through these positions, Dr. Briggs honed her skills in program design and evaluation, organizational change management, and grant writing. The Pennsylvania-native-turned-Connecticut-resident also earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from Northeastern University. While she pursued her EdD, Dr. Briggs taught courses in Northeastern's Department of Human Services. Today, Dr. Briggs continues to teach online courses in social work at Sacred Heart University and she is an assistant professor of educational leadership at Bay Path University.
Since joining Academic Search in January 2022, Dr. Briggs has played an integral role in a growing number of successful searches. With her significant experience in social work, she has a unique ability to gain an in-depth understanding of an institution's culture and the qualities the stakeholders seek in a new hire. With that information in hand, Dr. Briggs can scour her network and assemble a candidate pool abounding with talent, proven success, and relevant skills. She is highly organized and thorough in her process, and she is committed to creating a search process that is smooth and efficient. Through her consulting work, Dr. Briggs has found immense satisfaction in helping an institution diversify its staff and ultimately help it lay the foundation for long-lasting success.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant
- Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Senior Consultant
Dr. Carlos N. Medina is an exemplary Senior Consultant with invaluable experience earned in teaching, executive leadership, governance, and in particular, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. As the founding Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY-the country's largest comprehensive higher education system-Dr. Medina boasts a unique skillset that is especially beneficial for searches in the progressive realm of higher education.
Dr. Medina is Brooklyn born and raised and started his career in education as a high school physical education teacher. He spent several years teaching at a New York state-run institution for juvenile delinquents, and he later earned his master's degree in human services administration from Cornell University. In 1989, Dr. Medina was selected as one of just eight coveted Regent Management Fellows with the New York State Education Department. The one-year appointment parlayed into a decade-long full-time position with the Education Department that saw Dr. Medina earn rich experience in managing teacher preparation, math and science enrichment, professional development, state government, and more. These funded programs and services were not only administered in K-12 education, but also at both private and public institutions of higher education throughout the state of New York, giving Dr. Medina a unique understanding of the K-20 education pipeline.
Dr. Medina served as the director of Student Support Services for SUNY's Center for Academic and Workforce Development. He managed a $12.5 million budget as director of the Bridge Program (SUNY's flagship Welfare-to-Work Initiative) and the Financing Your Independence Program. Additionally, Dr. Medina was named SUNY associate provost and associate vice chancellor for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in August 2011. While holding those positions, Dr. Medina led SUNY's efforts to promote and advance diversity goals and ensure they are properly captured within all university policies and procedures. He provided leadership and strategic direction to SUNY campuses in connection with the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and administrators from groups within society that are underrepresented in higher education. In 2014, the SUNY System, which oversees all 64 campuses within the State University of New York, named Dr. Medina its first Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer.
Since joining Academic Search in 2019, Dr. Medina has facilitated an array of searches, including those for deans, chief diversity officers, directors, presidents, vice presidents, and more. With more than 30 years of higher education and government experience, Dr. Medina is prepared to weather any issues that may arise in a search. He is highly skilled when it comes to ensuring that a search runs smoothly, and he is passionate about finding the best possible candidates for each position.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Senior Executive
- Education Executive
- Superintendent / President at Hartnell
Dr. Edward J. Valeau is a highly experienced higher education executive with a career spanning over 38 years in community colleges. He served as Superintendent/President of the Hartnell Community College District in Salinas, CA, from 1995 to 2007, becoming the first African American to hold this position in the college's century-long history. Dr. Valeau also made history as the first African American to serve as President and Dean of Instruction at the College of Alameda in the Peralta Community College District in Oakland, CA.
Throughout his career, Dr. Valeau has demonstrated expertise in various areas, including leadership, budgeting, program development and evaluation, grant writing, and organizational management. He has held administrative roles at Canada Community College, Skyline College, College of Alameda, and Hartnell Community College District, serving as President and Superintendent/President, among other positions. He also worked as an ACE Fellow at De Anza College.
During his tenure as Superintendent/President at Hartnell, Dr. Valeau led a period of renaissance for the district. His leadership efforts solidified the college's identity as a Hispanic Serving Institution and resulted in continuous enrollment growth, academic success, and vocational achievements. He played a crucial role in developing a 10-year Educational and Facilities Masterplan, securing a community-backed bond of $131 million for the construction of state-of-the-art buildings and learning facilities.
Beyond his administrative work, Dr. Valeau has served on numerous public and private boards, including the American Association of Community Colleges, where he held the position of Chair for two national commissions. He has also founded and led several consulting companies, contributed to scholarly publications, and authored books on topics such as international education, leadership, and mentoring.
Dr. Valeau holds a doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Education, a master's from California State University, Hayward, and a Bachelor of Science in English from Southern University. He has received prestigious awards and honors for his leadership, including the Harry Buttimer Award for Outstanding Leadership as a CEO in California Community Colleges.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Valeau is an international photographer who enjoys golfing, playing the Djembe Drum, and traveling with his wife, Vera Valeau. They reside in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. James H. Mullen, Jr. brings 21 years as a college and university president and over 30 years of experience in leadership positions in public and private higher education to his role as an executive coach. Most recently, he served as Transitional President of Saint John's University, where he helped guide the University and the College of Saint Benedict in the implementation of a new model of governance (Strong Integration) between the two institutions. Before his year at Saint John's, he served for 11 years as the President of Allegheny College, as well as the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Asheville and the President of the College of our Lady of the Elms.
As a senior executive coach, Dr. Mullen offers both campus and national leadership experience across all sectors of higher education, as well as a deep commitment to supporting colleagues as they navigate the challenges of their own leadership journeys. He seeks to be fully present and an engaged listener for his coaching partners, helping them to realize their leadership potential, achieve balance in their work and life beyond the campus, and find the unique joy that comes with being a college or university president.
During Dr. Mullen's tenure at Allegheny, the College celebrated its Bicentennial, expanded the national reach of its enrollment, created and implemented two strategic plans, and carried out the largest capital campaign in its history (over $200 million). The College also became one of the first in the nation to achieve climate neutrality. In addition, Dr. Mullen oversaw the creation of the Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life, an award that recognizes leaders from across the political spectrum who conduct their work with noteworthy civility (recipients have included Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia, Joe Biden and John McCain, David Brooks and Mark Shields, and the women of the United States Senate). The Allegheny Prize reflects Mullen's commitment to inspiring young people to public service. At his retirement from Allegheny, the College named its athletic arena the James H. Mullen, Jr. Arena and also named its student award for civility in his honor.
Dr. Mullen has held leadership positions in major national organizations representing higher education, including as Chair of the Board of the American Council on Education and as a member of the Board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He was also Chair of the Board of the Great Lakes Colleges Association and continues to serve as Chair of the Board of Project Pericles.
Following his retirement from Allegheny, Dr. Mullen was invited to be the President in Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he brought his extensive experience to a seminar for graduate students hoping to pursue leadership roles in higher education.
Dr. Mullen received his bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross, his master's degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and his doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Consultant
- Leader
Dr. Javier Serrano is an experienced leader in customer service, employee development, and project management in higher education, non-profit, retail, and theme park operations. Dr. Serrano has over 13 years of higher education experience, specializing in academic HR operations, particularly academic and faculty affairs. Furthermore, Dr. Serrano has supported executive leaders, faculty, staff, students, school leaders, teachers, parents, community leaders, and external stakeholders in private and public institutions in Southern California.
Dr. Serrano earned his Ph.D. in business administration, specializing in organizational leadership, from Northcentral University. Dr. Serrano received his master's in management and leadership from Liberty University, a bachelor's in history from National University, and an associate's in history from San Diego City College. Dr. Serrano is also a researcher in the subject matters of quiet leadership and classroom management.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Executive
Following nearly 30 years of university leadership experience, Dr. Linda M. Bleicken most recently served as president of the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) from 2017-2022. Dr. Bleicken joined AALI after serving as President of Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA from July 2009 until her retirement in June 2017. Dr. Bleicken previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Georgia Southern University. At Georgia Southern, she also served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Associate Provost, and Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration.
Her tenure as President of AALI was marked by an increase in the number of participants in the three programs offered jointly with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Council of Independent Colleges. In addition, a new program, Mastering the Presidential Search Process, was created in 2019 in collaboration with Academic Search. Each program was distinguished by the high level of care and mentorship extended to each participant.
Throughout the years, the role of mentor and coach has been central to Dr. Bleicken's professional career, and most recently culminated in her work at AALI where she had the honor to work personally with hundreds of higher education administrators from both independent and public colleges and universities.
Dr. Bleicken earned an undergraduate degree in marketing and a master of science degree from Georgia State University. She holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior, also conferred by Georgia State.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Dr. Margaret H. Venable's passion for higher education is as infectious as it is inspiring. As a dedicated chemistry professor with a love of connecting with students, a happenstance job opening allowed Dr. Venable to move into an administrative role. Fellow administrators quickly recognized her innate executive talent, and by the end of her higher education career, she was President of one of Georgia's premier colleges. As a Senior Consultant with Academic Search, Dr. Venable can continue to share her expert guidance and advice with the next generation of executive higher education leaders.
In 2015, Dr. Venable was named President of Dalton State College, a University of Georgia System public institution, and was the first woman to hold the title. Located in northwest Georgia, Dalton State became the state's first Hispanic Serving Institution while under Dr. Venable's leadership. This designation signifies that at least 25 percent of students who attend Dalton State identify as Hispanic, and today that number is now more than one-third of the institution's total enrollment. Dr. Venable retired from the helm in May 2023.
Dalton State's diverse student body, composed of many first-generation college students, motivated Dr. Venable to constantly improve the institution's academic offerings and affordability to ensure that aspiring graduates are on paths that will result in promising careers. She is wholeheartedly devoted to helping all students receive a quality education, and as a senior consultant, she has a sharp eye for potential hires who will help institutions continue to open doors for eager students.
Almost all of Dr. Venable's higher education experience has been with the University System of Georgia. Her tenure has seen her enjoy booming enrollments and robust budgets and weather financial woes, dwindling enrollment, and a pandemic. That experience provides her with in-depth knowledge of the challenges institutions may face, and it gives her a unique perspective on the candidates an administration might consider for certain positions. Additionally, as Vice President of Gainesville State College, Dr. Venable guided her faculty and staff through the consolidation with another institution to become the University of North Georgia, and she serves as a mentor for others experiencing this transition.
In addition to the presidential and vice presidential roles, Dr. Venable was Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Gordon State College, and she held several positions at Georgia Perimeter College. Ten years after being hired to teach chemistry at the Atlanta institution, Dr. Venable's peers nominated her to chair the science and physical education department in 2002, igniting her administrative career. She is incredibly proud of her time in the Early College and Academic Initiatives program that provided high school and college credits for high school dropouts, as it exemplifies her passion for helping all people benefit from higher education.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Dr. Maria Thompson is a distinguished educator, administrator, renowned researcher, author, and respected advisor who has dedicated her career to empowerment through education. As a senior consultant with Academic Search, she can channel her knowledge and data-driven approach to guide an institution through a search that concludes with a successful hire.
Before joining Academic Search, Dr. Thompson was the first woman President of Coppin State University, one of the 12 University System of Maryland campuses and a prominent HBCU. Under her leadership, Coppin State improved its financial standing and laid the foundation for improving graduation rates and increasing enrollment. Dr. Thompson was also Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the State University of New York at Oneonta, the first African American in the role. Her contributions were instrumental in the institutional accreditation process, and she initiated the first academic master plan and restructured the Division of Academic Affairs. Her efforts positioned the college for long-term strategic growth.
As a researcher, Dr. Thompson spent 13 years in her native state, building the research enterprise at Tennessee State University. She held various positions in TSU's research administration and was named Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs. One of her most remarkable accomplishments was when she was awarded $1 million by the National Science Foundation to create Tennessee State's Interdisciplinary Graduate Engineering Research Institute.
Since her work experience spans a variety of institutional categories, Dr. Thompson's contributions as a Senior Consultant are invaluable. With her lifelong adoration for research and a sharp eye for recognizing trends, Dr. Thompson approaches each search like it's a research project. She immerses herself in the institution's culture, gathers vital information from stakeholders, and commits to understanding the type of candidates the position needs. Her strategy is to ensure that all facts, wants, and needs are addressed early in the search process so that all involved agree and are pleased with the search's outcome.
Dr. Thompson and her co-author Dr. Susan C. Turell have published two installments in a growing workbook series about administrative leadership. The first book, Running the Race: Transitioning into a New Leadership Role in Higher Ed, helps a new hire create a unique roadmap for the first three to six months of a leadership role. The second workbook, Courageous Gardening: Equity-Minded Leadership in Higher Education, guides leaders through the process of identifying inequities related to privilege and finding equitable and inclusive solutions. A third book focused on university governance will be published in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Dr. Mary E. Kennard served for 23 years as the Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for American University in Washington, DC. She has over 40 years of experience in university administration and legal affairs. Dr. Kennard has served as a senior administrator at both public and private colleges and universities. In addition, Dr. Kennard has served as the Chief Development Officer for both the University of Rhode Island and American University, planning and kicking off two successful capital campaigns. Dr. Kennard also served as the head of the Human Resources departments at AU and URI. She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Pittsburgh - College of General Studies, the University of Rhode Island - College of Business Administration, and the Washington College of Law at American University.
Dr. Kennard is a frequent lecturer at national conferences on law, higher education administration, and board governance. She co-anchored and produced a Telly Award-winning video in conjunction with the College and University Personnel Association (CUPA-HR). Dr. Kennard also coauthored a Legal Primer for Board Operations published by the Association of Governing Boards.
Dr. Kennard is a past Commissioner for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. She also served on the Board of Directors of the National Student Clearinghouse, as well as a director of its Research Board. She has served on the Boston University, Metropolitan College Dean's Advisory Council, the Advisory Board of the Georgetown University Law Center - Corporate Counsel Institute and was a 15-year member of the Board of Directors of the Washington Trust Company, (NASDAQ: Wash), the oldest community bank in the United States (founded in 1800).
Dr. Kennard received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Rhode Island in recognition of her commitment to diversity in US higher education. She was the first African American Vice President of the University of Rhode Island, and the first African American to serve as legal counsel for an entire state system of higher education in the United States. She was honored by Boston University with its Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Kennard attended Boston University and received her undergraduate degree in applied science. After earning her Juris Doctorate from Temple University, Beasley School of Law, and Master of Laws in international and comparative law from The George Washington University, National Law Center, she served as counsel to the University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, the University of Rhode Island, the Community College of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College, before joining American University as Vice President, General Counsel and Board Secretary.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- of Counsel
- Senior Consultant Role
Dr. R. Stanton Hales holds an "of counsel" status with Academic Search, allowing him to share his 15 years of consulting experience with others at the firm and outside parties. Through his work as a Senior Consultant, plus his time as a professor, academic vice president, and college president, Dr. Hales' knowledge of higher education governance and leadership produces invaluable and appreciated advice.
Dr. Hales joined Academic Search in 2007 when senior consultants primarily performed searches without the help of a consultant or associate consultant. Even though it resulted in more work for senior consultants like Dr. Hales, he enjoyed the process because he could develop in-depth relationships with people at institutions. He often visited a campus at least five times, especially for a presidential search, and would build a kinship with administrators and Board members. In addition, Dr. Hales would become a regular at nearby coffee shops and restaurants, as it allowed him to deepen his understanding of the institution and the community it serves.
Before stepping into his Senior Consultant role at Academic Search, Dr. Hales was president of The College of Wooster for 12 years. His promotion to the presidency came after he was Wooster's vice president for academic affairs for five years, as well as a professor in mathematics and computer science. Before that, Dr. Hales was a professor of mathematics and associate dean of the college at his alma mater, Pomona College.
Upon his retirement from The College of Wooster, Dr. Hales knew he didn't want to leave higher education. After less than a month of "retirement," Dr. Hales joined Academic Search. Consulting not only allowed him to stay connected to the field, but it provided the opportunity to visit and learn about all types of institutions across the country. Dr. Hales has built a robust network over the years, thanks to his personable temperament and ability to make meaningful connections with people. As a result, he was often requested by name to perform additional searches at the same schools. By leading multiple searches at one school, Dr. Hales was able to help shape institutions and make long-lasting positive impacts, which is what Dr. Hales considers the most rewarding part of being a senior consultant.
Dr. Hales has a long list of professional involvements, including the Board of Directors of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Executive Committees of the Annapolis Group, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, the Great Lakes Colleges Association, and the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. He also served on the Governor's Commission (OH) for Higher Education and the Economy. Additionally, Dr. Hales currently serves on the Alumni Council of Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Dr. Rebecca Lynch has an innate tenacity that allows her to shine during challenging situations. Perhaps that stems from when she was an emergency room radiologic technologist who simultaneously carried a full teaching load at the nearby junior college. Maybe that quality was honed when she left her position at a renowned university in Pennsylvania to help kickstart a rural Texas community college's healthcare program. Truthfully, it's a trait she's always had, and higher education and healthcare provide her with opportunities to thrive. Now a Consultant with Academic Search, Dr. Lynch is sharing her rich experiences and knowledge in new ways to help her do what she loves: impact future generations.
Dr. Lynch earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology and biology from Robert Morris University and began working in emergency orthopedic radiology. She later became a university healthcare program director, a hospital education vice president, and more, and she now holds a bachelor's, two master's degrees, and a Ph.D. Throughout her career, Dr. Lynch's positions and experiences taught her the importance of supportive guidance, compassion, and empathy. She understands how a single conversation can affect a person's morale and how effective leadership can impact an institution. She is deliberate in her consulting work and is dedicated to finding the best candidates for every search.
After a mentor suggested she consider instructing clinical courses, Dr. Lynch discovered a passion for teaching that she continues to practice today. She has a deep affinity for community colleges in rural communities, which is why she's been committed to supporting South Texas College since the mid-1990s. Located in McAllen, just 10 miles north of the United States-Mexico border, STC first hired Dr. Lynch to direct the Radiologic Technology Program, and today she serves as an adjunct professor in the Bachelor of Organizational Leadership program. Teaching allows Dr. Lynch to see first-hand the opportunities that higher education presents and how a degree can improve a person's trajectory.
As a Consultant, Dr. Lynch is committed to helping colleges and universities support their missions by finding them find exceptional applicants and future executive leaders. Considering her experience as a student at large universities, her director tenure at Penn State, and more than 30 years of teaching at community colleges, Dr. Lynch has a wealth of expertise in many areas of higher education to rely upon in her work with Academic Search.
While actively involved in administrative roles, Dr. Lynch has also served on numerous advisory boards for academic, technical, and community workforce education. She has presented at various profit and non-profit businesses and industries in organizational leadership, culture, and change.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- President Emeritus of the Council
Dr. Richard Ekman is President Emeritus of the Council of Independent Colleges, following 21 years as President. During his tenure, CIC membership grew from 450 US colleges and universities to 660, as well as adding many international institutions, state and regional associations, and scholarly and educational organizations. Dr. Ekman also developed new programs and services for member college presidents, provosts, deans, department chairs, faculty members, IT directors, IR directors, and librarians including CIC's Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission Program and its Online Course Sharing Consortium. The CIC Presidents Institute and the CAO Institute grew to become the largest annual gatherings of presidents and CAOs respectively. Dr. Ekman also was a founder of the American Academic Leadership Institute which, with generous support from Academic Search, has supported successful professional development activities for CIC leaders. He also was instrumental in the merger of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education into CIC. Other partnerships include one he developed with the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation in support of the Visiting Fellows program, and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in support of faculty seminars led by eminent historians.
Dr. Ekman was named in 2022 as a Fellow of the TIAA Institute and currently serves on many boards including Project Pericles (which he chaired); the Council of Harvard's Graduate School Alumni Association (also a past chair); Emeriti Retirement Solutions; Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute; SAGE Scholars; and the Higher Education Research and Development Institute (currently chair). Other recent activities include teaching a "Master Class" in the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education Executive Doctorate Program. He is a Special Advisor to The Registry.
From 1991 to 2000, Dr. Ekman was the Secretary and Senior Program Officer of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and in 2000-2001, he served as Vice President of Atlantic Philanthropies. Prior to those posts, he was Director of the Division of Education Programs and subsequently Director of the Division of Research Programs at the National Endowment for the Humanities. At NEH, he led significant changes in NEH's grant guidelines, of which most still are operative today. Even earlier in his career, he served as Vice President and Dean of Hiram College and as Assistant to the Provost of the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Both his A.B. degree, magna cum laude, and his Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization were earned at Harvard University.
Dr. Ekman is the co-author and editor of Technology and Scholarly Communication. His essays have appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, University Business, Carnegie Reporter, Washington Post, as well as in CIC's own Independent and other publications. He is a recipient of Harvard's W.E.B DuBois Medal and numerous honorary degrees.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Dr. Scott Flanagan is on a mission to help the institutions he works with to find and develop the senior leaders they need to thrive. He has dedicated years to honing his recruiting craft and furthering his education to become a national leader in this important work.
Due to his professional experience, academic preparation, and well-developed networks, Dr. Flanagan helps institutions think strategically about their needs, attract strong and diverse candidate pools, and engage in processes that result in selecting leaders ideally suited for that institution at that moment. It is in this area that Dr. Flanagan excels, and it's what makes him an asset in every executive search.
Before joining Academic Search in 2019, Dr. Flanagan spent 21 years on Edgewood College's executive staff, culminating with a five-year stint as its president. He also served as the private Dominican college's vice president of planning and enrollment and spent three years on the education faculty. Throughout his higher education career, Dr. Flanagan earned the esteem of his colleagues and was elected to several honorable positions, including a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and president of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, an NCAA Division III conference. In addition, Dr. Flanagan was a member of the executive committee and chair of the Dominican Higher Education Consortium, the nationwide association of Dominican colleges and universities.
Prior to his time at Edgewood College, Dr. Flanagan served as vice president of enrollment services at the University of St. Francis in Indiana, where he earned his MBA. A Wisconsin native, Dr. Flanagan received his bachelor's degree in political science and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Flanagan earned a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania and recently received a certificate in professional coaching from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After holding this array of cabinet titles and working alongside all executive positions, Dr. Flanagan can confidently assist across a wide variety of job openings in higher education.
As a lifelong higher education devotee, Dr. Flanagan has found his niche in the consulting and recruiting realm. He is known for his ability to attentively listen to the needs of his campus partners and underscore the goals the institution hopes to accomplish in the future. By highlighting these desires, Dr. Flanagan can scour his extensive network to find the precise candidates who have the potential to lead the school to success. It is common for Dr. Flanagan to be sought out by the same institution multiple times for various searches, as he is excellent at earning a staff's trust and maintaining the bonds he builds.
Dr. Susan C. Turell brings passion, experience, insight, and caring to her coaching. She is dedicated to supporting and lifting others toward achieving their full leadership potential in 21st-century higher education. She brings a three-pronged approach to her coaching: 30-plus years of experience in both higher education leadership and as a licensed psychologist, and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Weaving her leadership as a provost, associate provost, dean, and department chair, with her skills as a licensed psychologist, she will work with you to enhance your existing strengths and build new ones. By focusing on what you uniquely need, she will support you to solve current issues as well as develop ways of thinking that will prepare you for different situations as they arise. Her solution-focused approach will help you to achieve your goals quickly and effectively.
Dr. Turell has worked at regional comprehensive universities in both large and small state systems, including some that are unionized, and at a private religious university. A seasoned administrator who is a teacher at heart, Dr. Turell welcomes the opportunity to guide and support new, aspiring, and seasoned leaders to strengthen their leadership skills, encourage their optimism, and support their vision for new possibilities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
For Dr. Tara S. Singer, higher education is the family business. Practically raised on the University of Louisville campus starting at age six when her father became a faculty member, the Kentucky native knew from a young age that she had an innate passion for academe. When her mother began working in student affairs, Dr. Singer discovered the world of college administration and found her calling. After more than four decades in an array of higher education and leadership positions, Dr. Singer lends her expertise to Academic Search as a Senior Consultant.
Dr. Singer recently retired as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Omicron Delta Kappa, the prestigious national leadership society, after ten years at the helm. Under her leadership, O∆K completed the organization's first-ever multi-million-dollar comprehensive campaign. In addition, Dr. Singer oversaw the expansion of the honor society to 55 campuses across the country, coordinated the activities of O∆K's Board of Trustees, and served as editor-in-chief of its publications. As the Society's CEO, Dr. Singer forged relationships with students, faculty, and administrators at institutions across the nation, allowing her to stay current on the challenges higher education faces and maintain an invaluable network of professionals.
Before joining O∆K, for more than 30 years Dr. Singer held various higher education roles. She began her career working in athletic academic advising at the University of Louisville, and she was later hired as an Associate Registrar and a leader in the enrollment management division. After completing her doctorate, she became Louisville's Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the Alumni Association.
In 2004, Dr. Singer left her longtime home and was named Vice President for University Advancement at the University of West Georgia. In this role, she oversaw alumni relations, athletics, communications and marketing, development, governmental affairs, and printing services. Later, Dr. Singer was the head of the Illinois Institute of Technology's Alumni Association, and then Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Indiana State University. Through these positions, Dr. Singer developed an affinity for institutional advancement positions and gained invaluable knowledge of university governance.
As a Senior Consultant, Dr. Singer can utilize her rich experiences and exceptional ability to recognize executive leadership talent. She is guided by a sincere love of higher education and helping people make their next career move. Dr. Singer's work in consulting is personal, and she sees it as an opportunity to pay it forward to all the people who guided her and helped shape her professional life.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Coach and of Counsel
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Controller
- Member of the Filter Team
Kara Milora Dulin joined Academic Search in April 2023 as Controller. In her role, she is responsible for leading the organization's strategic, operational, and fiduciary goals within the accounting and finance functions.
Prior to joining Academic Search, Ms. Dulin held finance and operations positions across a variety of industries including digital marketing, software development, global retail, telecom manufacturing, and investment banking. She most recently was a successful small business owner with global reach in the fiber art space. Prior to founding and managing her small business, she was Vice President of Corporate Finance at VivaKi Nerve Center, a Publicis Groupe agency known for its innovative technology and high-profile client services. She brings with her valuable expatriate experience, notable contributions in both operational integrations and finance transformations, and a passionate energy for developing and employing analytics to drive reach, profit, and value across organizations.
While her experience remains broad, it is her passion for higher education, professional development, and the professional services model that contribute to her enthusiasm for her role at Academic Search. A valued advisor to senior executives, Kara brings with her deep experience in financial planning and multicultural team management and a proven track record of results-driven analytical prowess.
Ms. Dulin holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Northeastern University and a Master of Science in strategic cost accounting and entrepreneurial finance from Babson College. She is a member of the Finance National Honors Society and is a graduate of the BancBoston Robertson Stephens Investment Banking Analyst Program and the Lucent Technologies Financial Leadership Development Program. She has been afforded exemplary opportunities to strengthen her skills in both emotional intelligence and business leadership, learning alongside industry-leading business management consultants as well as faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- VICE CHAIR / President, Carlow University
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- President
- Senior Consultant
- President Emeritus, Susquehanna University
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- President, Council of Independent Colleges ( CIC )
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Senior Consultant, and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- President, American Association of State Colleges and Universities ( AASCU )
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.
Mr. Michael C. Maxey served as President of Roanoke College for fifteen years. Prior to his presidential service, he worked at Roanoke for twenty-two years in various areas including marketing, recruiting, alumni relations, strategic planning, and fundraising. During his higher education career, he has worked in academic affairs, student affairs, business affairs, information technology, and various external affairs capacities. Mr. Maxey has worked at four colleges and universities, both public and private.
He approaches his coaching from the perspective of helping presidents achieve their and their institution's goals by offering challenges and support. He understands that presidents have difficult careers and need to bring their best selves to their important assignments. Having worked directly for three presidents, then later serving as a president himself, Mr. Maxey appreciates the challenges of the presidency, the need for support and encouragement, and the necessity of making and implementing thoughtful, progressive decisions.
Mr. Maxey holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Wake Forest University. His graduate work is in counselor education, with a degree from Wake Forest and the University of New Hampshire. His volunteer service includes board terms with SACS-COC; the Council of Independent Colleges, where he served as chair; and the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities. He has consulted with over 24 colleges and other non-profits.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Mr. Rodney S. Clark brings to Academic Search a wealth of higher education knowledge acquired through decades of administrative and teaching experience at community, private, and R1 institutions across the country.
The Rhode Island native spent most of his prolific career as Director of Admissions and then Dean of the Attleboro campus of Bristol Community College in Massachusetts. He also taught business courses during his tenure, all while playing a crucial role in the college's enrollment, recruitment, academic affairs, community relations, fundraising, academic advising, and more.
Mr. Clark also served the University of Washington in Tacoma as its interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Services in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This enlightening experience gave him valuable insight into the realm of large state universities and a broader understanding of higher education administration. Most recently, Mr. Clark was the Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment at Pittsburgh Technical College, a private nonprofit institution that awards associate and baccalaureate degrees.
As a teacher, Mr. Clark spent nearly two decades as an adjunct faculty member in business departments at two-year and four-year colleges, providing him with a direct line of communication with students, which aided him in his administrative work and continues to guide him as a search consultant. Additionally, Mr. Clark is a devoted father with three of his four children attending HBCUs. This personal connection to today's higher education fuels his passion for consulting work, as he sees first-hand the impact exceptional hires have on students.
Not only does Mr. Clark have career experience in higher education, but he holds a deep, personal connection to students who weather a tumultuous path as they work toward their degree. Mr. Clark initially attended a university in the Greater Boston area, but was forced to withdraw for financial reasons. He secured a promising position with Fidelity Investments, but after eight years, he, along with 250 others, was laid off during the economic hardships of the early 1990s. However, during that time, Mr. Clark earned his master's degree in management from Cambridge College, and was determined to find a new, fulfilling career. He attended a job fair at Roxbury Community College, and through a serendipitous twist, he struck up a conversation with the RCC event organizer. That conversation eventually led to him accepting a position as an assistant registrar, and his career in higher education began.
Mr. Clark's rich administrative experience is an asset in all types of searches, especially since he has been part of countless search committees. He understands the critical importance of institution fit, potential, and finding applicants who reflect the student body.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
- Chairman of the Annapolis Group
Mr. Stephen D. Schutt served as President of Lake Forest College from 2001 to 2022, and as Vice President & Chief of Staff at the University of Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2001. Before Penn, Mr. Schutt served as Chief of Staff to United States Senator Harris Wofford (PA), as Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, and as a litigation attorney in a national law firm based in Philadelphia.
Under Mr. Schutt's leadership, Lake Forest grew enrollment by 41% to 1700 students, 40% of whom were students of color. Lake Forest also raised more than $300 million in three capital campaigns, invested $200 million in key campus improvements, formed a strategic partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, developed a nationally recognized student career center, and launched popular new academic programs in health professions, data science, neuroscience, finance, entrepreneurship, African American and Latinx Studies.
In recent years, Mr. Schutt has served as Chair of the Annapolis Group, Chair of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, and on the boards of Earlham College, Northwestern University's Medill School Justice Project, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, and the Mellon Foundation National Institute of Technology & Liberal Education.
Mr. Tanner Telford brings experience in research to Academic Search in his role as Associate Consultant. After earning his bachelor's degree in English education, Mr. Telford moved directly into graduate study. He attended the University of Oxford, where he graduated in 2019 with a research master's degree in higher education. His research focused on the ways disadvantaged students make higher education considerations and how institutions can better meet the needs of these students. Mr. Telford has worked professionally in teaching, advising, and program management.
In Mr. Telford's free time, he plays volleyball any chance he can get. Otherwise, you will find him reading, writing, or exploring the mountains.
Ms. Amanda Stupakevich joined Academic Search as an Associate Consultant in 2022. She is an experienced higher education professional having worked at both private and public institutions including Simmons University, Boston College, and the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She has served in a variety of areas including advancement and student activities. While working in Career Services, Ms. Stupakevich utilized a variety of counseling methods in guiding students' career discovery journeys. She enjoyed bridging student and employer communities to provide networking opportunities, fostering connections between both parties that blended in-class and experiential learning for better outcomes.
Just prior to joining Academic Search, Ms. Stupakevich worked in the internal recruitment department at a mid-sized insurance agency supporting all recruitment strategies in the attainment of staffing demands.
Ms. Stupakevich earned her M.A. in higher education administration from Boston College and a B.A. in arts administration with a concentration in communications from Simmons University.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Ms. Amy Bonsiero joined Academic Search in 2021 and brings diverse experience in higher education. Ms. Bonsiero has served in many roles including full-time faculty, Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, and Executive Assistant to the Dean of Academic Affairs. She served on multiple committees including the Faculty Development Committee, the Quality Enhancement Plan Committee, and the Commencement Committee, and also functioned as the department representative on nationwide curriculum meetings.
In her roles, Ms. Bonsiero worked to develop department-wide assessment materials to assist with department improvements and to support institutional effectiveness efforts. She helped oversee multiple successful accreditation reaffirmation visits while working in higher education.
Ms. Bonsiero holds an M.S. in management leadership from Argosy University and a B.B.A. in marketing information systems from James Madison University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Assistant Director of Marketing
Ms. Ashley Hunter brings diverse marketing and communications experience to Academic Search. Joining the organization in 2022, Ms. Hunter took on the inaugural role of Assistant Director of Marketing.
Ms. Hunter began her career as the Director of Marketing for the Rapid City Rush professional hockey team. Her role focused on all aspects of marketing for the team including the creation and management of in-game motion graphics, advertising, photography/videography, marketing materials, social media, and website. She grew the team's social media following by 20 percent within her first year and led a redesign of the website to better match the team's brand.
Following her role with the Rush, Ms. Hunter worked as a freelance graphic designer, where she created digital and print content for a wide range of clients. She worked on a wide variety of projects from the creation of logos to website design to mailers and stationery. Through this experience, she strengthened her client relations and business management skills.
Since 2015, Ms. Hunter has been co-owner of Hunter Detail with her husband. She manages the brand and marketing efforts including the company's e-commerce website and social media channels. She also aids in business operations.
Most recently before joining Academic Search, Ms. Hunter served as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. She began with BVU as Communications Coordinator and earned two promotions in her three-year tenure. During her time there, she worked with all departments on campus, with a particular focus on admissions and alumni engagement. She oversaw the university's website, social media channels, and digital advertising along with managing project intake and production timelines. She was a member of the crisis communications team and the diversity, equity, and inclusion task force, and held an interim role on the President's Council.
Through her various experiences, Ms. Hunter has a proven track record for improving processes and building strong brand identities. She has a keen ability to help tell an organization's story through her marketing efforts.
Ms. Hunter earned her bachelor's degree in mass communication and corporate communication from Black Hills State University and was the recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2022. She earned her master's degree in organizational leadership from Buena Vista University.
Ms. Kristin McClanahan joined Academic Search in 2023 and brings experience from her work in both higher education and independent school settings. She has focused her career on counseling with expertise in career and college advising. Her administrative skills have led to the development and implementation of internship programs at both the college and high school levels.
Ms. McClanahan previously worked at Cannon School (Concord, NC) as the Associate Director of College Counseling. In addition to her caseload of students, she served on the upper school leadership team and multiple search committees, and led institutional initiative cohorts. Through her role, she visited the campuses of over 150 institutions of higher education. Prior to Cannon School, she worked at a variety of institutions including Baldwin-Wallace University, Ferrum College, and Miami University.
Ms. McClanahan holds an M.S. in college student personnel with a focus in counseling and a B.S. in business finance from Miami University, Oxford. She has been involved with the National Association of College Admission Counseling and had the opportunity to present at their southern regional conference.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Ms. Lisa A. Ryan's prolific career is built on devotion to her craft, building sincere long-term relationships, and a genuine love of seeing people thrive. Recruiting and executive consulting is not just an occupation she's held for her entire adult life, but it's a calling that has made her a trusted resource and earned her the admiration of countless people in many industries.
After 33 years as a Client Partner at Heyman Associates in New York, Ms. Ryan retired in late 2022. Ms. Ryan was one of the communications executive search firm's first employees and led hundreds of searches to help it become the world-class organization it is today. Fortune 500 clients of Heyman Associates include GM, AT&T, Wells Fargo, and more, and Ms. Ryan specialized in healthcare, consumer products, industrial, and infrastructure companies. Before joining Heyman Associates, Ms. Ryan was honing her recruiting skills as an Executive Search Associate with The Cantor Concern, and she had previously been the national Management Recruiter for NutriSystem.
Heyman Associates also partnered with higher education institutions over the years, and Ms. Ryan developed a deep affinity for searches in the realm. Ms. Ryan helped place a number of public relations and marketing communications team members at colleges and universities throughout her tenure, providing her with the specialized experience that guides her through searches with Academic Search. Additionally, she has a brilliant knack for recognizing executive talent, and her innate ability to connect with people will be invaluable as she continues to excel in higher education consulting.
Ms. Ryan began her post-college career in college admissions at Widener University, and she was also a Nurse Recruiter and Assistant Registrar for the College of Allied Health Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University. These positions helped ignite her passion for higher education recruiting, and now as a Senior Consultant, she is back in the field that brings her immense gratification.
Throughout her time with Heyman Associates, Ms. Ryan maintained her connections to her alma mater and higher education. She was a member of Susquehanna's alumni board and is now a Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Philanthropy and Engagement Committee. She was a frequent speaker at the Public Affairs Council, Rutgers University, and the University of Southern California, as well as other professional organizations.
Although networking is a professional necessity in the consulting world, Ms. Ryan takes to it with ease and earnestness. She loves to meet people and learn about their aspirations, and she's an excellent listener who has perfected the art of advising without being overt. Ms. Ryan continues to maintain relationships she's held throughout her professional life, and she remains an entrusted advisor for many.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
- Member of the Filter Team
Ms. Lisa Andras joined Academic Search in the fall of 2021 and brings more than seven years of higher education experience from her work at a small liberal arts institution in the Northeast. Her diverse knowledge spans multiple areas in academic affairs and business administration including her prior position as Business Services Manager overseeing the payroll, purchasing, and accounts payable departments.
Prior to her career in higher education, Ms. Andras worked as a public & private school teacher and in non-profit organizations with a focus on adult professional development. Ms. Andras holds a B.A. in music education and an M.Ed in education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Job Titles:
- Proofreader and Copy Editor
Ms. Rachel Griffith joined Academic Search in 2022. After graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Ms. Griffith began working as a sports writer and editor. She covered the Auburn Tigers and local high school athletics for the local weekly newspaper, The Auburn Villager, and the online sports news outlet, Rivals.
At 25, she was promoted to Editor-in-Chief of The Auburn Villager. During her career as a journalist and newspaper editor, Ms. Griffith earned numerous Alabama Press Association awards, including first-place honors for Best Sports Page and Best Sports Column.
In 2013, Ms. Griffth married an Army officer stationed at nearby Fort Benning, GA. Since then, the Griffiths have lived in six states and have two sons. Over the years, Ms. Griffith continued to hone her writing skills as a marketing copywriter for a sportswear company and a stainless steel drink ware business.
Now a resident of Texas, Ms. Griffith is thrilled to bring more than a decade of professional writing and editing experience to Academic Search. She enjoys hiking with her family, experimenting with vegan recipes, and rooting for the Auburn Tigers.
Job Titles:
- Proofreader and Copy Editor
Ms. Rita Kaffer joined Academic Search with more than 20 years of experience providing direct, supervisory, and consultative services in the fields of clinical speech-language pathology and education. This includes working with individuals spanning the educational continuum-from early childhood to the graduate level.
Whether gathering initial diagnostics, targeting individual learning goals, assessing present levels of academic performance, or documenting classroom observations, evidence-based writing has been a major component of her daily work. Prior to joining Academic Search, Ms. Kaffer served as Remote Learning Coordinator for Council Oak, an independent Montessori school in Blue Island, IL.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
When Dr. Pamela Balch joined Academic Search in 2017, she quickly proved to be an eager senior consultant with a sharp eye for recognizing executive talent. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, including 13 years as president of two institutions, and has been honored many times for her impressive work. In addition, Dr. Balch's breadth of wisdom in the behind-the-scenes administrative side of university governance allows her to intimately understand an institution's needs.
Dr. Balch's career has taken her across the nation in various administrative positions. She was president of Mayville University in Mayville, ND, for three years before serving as president of West Virginia Wesleyan University for more than a decade. The Uniontown, PA, native received her bachelor's degree in education from West Virginia Wesleyan, which was only the start of her relationship with the Buckhannon private college. She then began teaching fifth and sixth graders in the West Virginia public school system while earning a master's and a doctoral degree in education from the University of West Virginia. Dr. Balch returned to West Virginia Wesleyan to join its education staff and would spend the next decade there, working her way up to director of graduate programs. Dr. Balch also holds two post-graduate certificates from Harvard University.
After leaving WVWC, Dr. Balch made a cross-country leap to California to serve as San Diego State University's associate dean for academic affairs. For the next eight years in the Golden State, Dr. Balch became instrumental in the public university realm and earned the coveted honors of ACE Fellow, Teacher Educator of the Year, Imperial County Woman of the Year, and California State University Executive Fellow. As a CSU Fellow, she spent a year in the CSU Chancellor's office in Long Beach and another year as vice provost for academic planning at Chico State. Dr. Balch then returned to the Mountain State to join Bethany College, a small private liberal arts school, as vice president for academic affairs.
In these executive positions, Dr. Balch honed her skills as an excellent communicator and developed a remarkable ability to recognize emerging issues and the ways to correct them. In addition, as a president of both public and private institutions, Dr. Balch gained a unique understanding of the skills schools are searching for in new hires and the trials that an executive staff may face.
Throughout her career, Dr. Balch has dedicated herself to improving the quality of education students receive. As a senior consultant with Academic Search, she is continuing her mission. She is a careful planner and a diligent strategist, and she is an excellent guide for both the institution and the candidates throughout the search process. Dr. Balch serves each institution with guidance and support, and works diligently with all candidates to help them professionally throughout the search process and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- of Counsel
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Mr. Schee Moua brings 10+ years of higher education experience to Academic Search, providing expertise from a wide spectrum of higher education administration comprising enrollment management, policy development, and dean's office administration and leadership. Not only diverse in administrative function, his expertise also spans a multitude of institutional sectors within higher education, garnering experience in private colleges, for-profit, and land-grant universities.
Before joining Academic Search in 2022, Mr. Moua served as the Director of Graduate Education at the University of Minnesota, overseeing policy development and student advocacy programs for the College of Education and Human Development. Additionally, Mr. Moua advanced initiatives in various capacities at the University of Minnesota which include Chair of the Curriculum Council, board member on the Diversity Committee, and co-chair of the Graduate School Advisory Board. Along with his experience, Mr. Moua is a doctoral candidate in the higher education administration program at Bethel University. He also holds an M.A. in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a B.A. in theology from Bethel University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Research Associate
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Vice President
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Vice President & Executive Coaching Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Consultant
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant
Job Titles:
- Director of Technology Services
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
- Member of the Filter Team
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Filter Team
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach