WASHINGTON, D.C., June 12, 2020 – AGB Search, a national leader in higher education executive search, is pleased to announce the following appointments:

Benedictine University has appointed Kenneth F. Newbold, Jr., to serve as its next provost. Newbold most recently served as Provost and Executive Vice President at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. See the Success Story for more information.

Bennett College appointed James (Jim) Hastings as its new vice president of finance and business operations and chief financial officer on January 27, 2020. His financial management experience includes over twenty years in the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role at various institutions in the banking industry. See the Success Story for more information.

California School of Western Law has appointed Sean Megan Scott to serve as its next president and dean, effective August 1, 2020. Scott currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT) and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the California Women’s Law Center. See the Success Story for more information.

Hanover College has selected Carey Adams as its new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Adams was most recently the vice president for academic affairs at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. See the Success Story for more information.

Harris-Stowe State University has selected St. Louis native, Corey S. Bradford, Sr. as HSSU’s 20th president, effective May 4. Bradford has worked in higher education for more than 26 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President for Business Affairs at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). See the Success Story for more information.

Illinois Board of Higher Education has named veteran education administrator, Ginger Ostro, as its new executive director. Ostro brings deep experience in Illinois education to the role, most recently serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Operations at Chicago State University. See the Success Story for more information.

Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Andrew W. Bowne as the college's new president. Bowne currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Ivy Tech Community College. See the Success Story for more information.

Johnson C. Smith University announced the appointment of Vijaya L. Gompa as dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She currently serves as professor of Mathematics, and will begin her tenure on June 1. See the Success Story for more information.

Johnson C. Smith University announced the appointment of Davida Loren Haywood as vice president for student affairs. Haywood has nearly 22 years of administrative experience in the areas of admissions and recruitment, enrollment management, student activities, multicultural affairs, and student affairs. See the Success Story for more information.

Johnson C. Smith University has appointed Rochelle D. King as the university’s new financial aid director. Most recently King served at Livingston College as Assistant Director of Financial Aid and prior to that at Shaw University as Financial Aid Director. See the Success Story for more information.

Johnson C. Smith University has appointed Karen D. Morgan as the new senior vice president for academic affairs. Morgan is currently serving as the Interim Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Experience at New Jersey City University. See our Success Story for more information.

Johnson C. Smith University has appointed Rhonda Moses as the new associate vice president for enrollment management. Moses is presently the Dean of Enrollment Management at Huston-Tillson University, a role she has held since August 2015.

Loyola University Chicago has announced the appointment of Emily Barman as its dean of the Graduate School and vice provost of graduate education. Barman comes to Loyola from Boston University, where she has served as its Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and a Professor of Sociology since 2017. See the Success Story for more information.

Manhattanville College has selected Sarah E. Kelly, a highly accomplished advancement leader, as its next vice president of institutional advancement. Kelly has a proven track record of developing creative fundraising strategies during her successful previous tenures as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Wheeling Jesuit University and U.S. Advancement Officer and Director of Development, National University of Ireland, Galway. 

Millikin University has announced the appointment of James M. Reynolds as its 16th president, effective July 1, 2020. Reynolds currently serves as President of Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio, a position he's held since 2012. See the Success Story for more information.

Montana State University has selected Yves Idzerda as its next dean of the College of Letters and Science. Idzerda currently serves as head of the Department of Physics and professor of physics at MSU. See the Success Story for more information.

Montana Technological University has selected Steve Gammon as its next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. Gammon currently serves as Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies at Montana Tech, a position he has held since 2018. See the Success Story for more information.

Morningside College has selected Kelly Chaney as their new dean of the Sharon Walker School of Education. Chaney most recently served as the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies at Marian University, having previously served Marian as the Dean of the School of Education.

Mount Aloysius College has appointed John N. McKeegan, J.D. to serve as the College’s 15th president. McKeegan is Vice President for Institutional Advancement and General Counsel at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, and has held leadership positions there since 2010. See the Success Story for more information.

Mount Mercy University’s Board of Trustees has appointed Robert (Bob) Beatty to serve as its 10th president, effective July 1, 2020. Beatty has served as the dean of the Soules College of Business and F.M. and Fannie Burke Professor at the University of Texas at Tyler. See the Success Story for more information.

Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, has named Elizabeth Paul as its 10th president. She was welcomed to the Nazareth community by the outgoing president Daan Braveman. See the Success Story for more information.

Ohio Northern University has selected Jason Broge as the next vice president of financial affairs. Broge is currently the Vice President of Business Services and the CFO at Kirtland Community College in Grayling, Michigan, a position he has held since 2010. 

Radford University has named Matthew Smith as permanent dean of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences effective February 25, 2020. Dean Smith has served as interim Dean since 2018. See the Success Story for more information.

Rider University has named Eugene Kutcher as dean of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences. Kutcher began his appointment on April 1, 2020 after serving as interim dean since September 2019. See the Success Story for more information.

Southern Connecticut State University has appointed Diane Ariza as the new vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion. Ariza brings more than two decades’ experience of administrative leadership in social justice and a background of teaching and research in ethnic studies. See the Success Story for more information.

Southern Connecticut State University has appointed Bruce Kalk as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Kalk joined the faculty at Southern in 1992 as Assistant Professor of History. See the Success Story for more information.

Southern Connecticut State University has appointed Trudy Milburn as its new associate vice president for academic affairs. Milburn currently serves as assistant Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Science and as Director of Academic Programs at Purchase College, State University of New York. See the Success Story for more information.

University of South Carolina has appointed William F. “Bill” Tate IV as the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Tate is currently Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education at Washington University in St. Louis. See the Success Story for more information.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has appointed Lana Poole as its new chief marketing and enrollment officer. She will lead the offices of University Communications and Marketing (UCM), Admissions, Recruitment, Financial Aid and Scholarships. See the Success Story for more information.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has appointed Pratima Gandhi as its new chief financial officer. Gandhi is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Bradley University.

###
About AGB Search
AGB Search, based in Washington, D.C., specializes in providing tailored services, including permanent search, interim search, and compensation evaluation, to higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a unique understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. The firm has conducted more than 600 searches at institutions ranging from small, private colleges to large public institutions and research universities. www.agbsearch.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 4, 2020 – AGB Search, a national leader in higher education executive search, recently launched the following executive searches:
 
Clarkson University, based in Potsdam, N.Y., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its dean of Health Sciences. The University seeks an experienced, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and creative professional with a record of successful health science leadership. The search will be led by Joy Yablonsky and Thomas Kowalik, executive search consultants. Applications are due by May 9; see the Position Profile for more information.
 
Maine Maritime Academy, based in Castine, Maine, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new vice president for academic affairs and provost. MMA is a co-educational career-oriented college of engineering, management, science and transportation with 950 undergraduate and graduate students and 300 faculty and staff. The search will be led by Concetta Stewart, principal; and Nancy Targett, executive search consultant. Applications are due by June 5; see the Position Profile for more information.
 
New York State Education Department, based in Albany, N.Y., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new commissioner of education and president of the University of the State of New York. The Board seeks an individual who will bring visionary, transformative, inclusive, equitable, and decisive leadership to the position as the Board's chief executive officer. The search will be led by Jim McCormick, Janice Fitzgerald, and Tom Layzell, executive search consultants. Applications are due by June 8; see the Position Profile for more information.
 
West Virginia State University, based in Institute, W.Va., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. The ideal leader will bring both stable leadership and dynamic changes to the University at a critical time in its history. The search will be led by Kim Bobby and Carlton Brown, executive search consultants. Applications are due by June 1; see the Position Profile for more information.
 
The following searches have revised application deadlines:
 
Dunwoody College of Technology, based in Minneapolis, Minn., has revised the application deadline for its new vice president for academic and student affairs to June 19. This cabinet-level leadership position reports to the president and works collaboratively to shape the future direction of academic programs, instructional strategies and student experience at the college. The search is being led by Loren Anderson and Kim Bobby, executive search consultants. See the Position Profile for more information.
 
Indian River State College, based in Fort Pierce, Fla., has revised the application deadline for its new president to May 26. The next president will be a consultative, creative visionary who values all who work, study and serve at the college. The search is being led by Rod McDavis, managing principal; Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal; and Fred Moore, executive search consultant. See the Position Profile for more information.
 
Kent State University, based in Kent, Ohio, has revised the application deadline for its new senior vice president and provost to September 11. Kent State is one of the largest universities in Ohio and offers a wide variety of degree programs from associate degrees to doctorates. The search is being led by Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal, and Ellen Meyer, executive search consultant. See the Position Profile for more information.
 
Valparaiso University, based in Valparaiso, Ind., has revised the application deadline for its new dean of the College of Business to May 16. Valparaiso University is an independent, doctoral/professional university with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. The search is being led by Robert Holyer, executive search consultant. See the Position Profile for more information.
 
###

About AGB Search
AGB Search, based in Washington, D.C., specializes in providing tailored services, including permanent search, interim search, and compensation evaluation, to higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a unique understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. The firm has conducted more than 600 searches at institutions ranging from small, private colleges to large public institutions and research universities. www.agbsearch.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 2, 2020 – AGB Search, a national leader in higher education executive search, recently launched the following executive searches:

Des Moines University, based in Des Moines, Iowa, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its dean of the College of Health Sciences. The University seeks an engaging, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader who is a highly effective administrator in all dimensions and will implement the vision for the College of Health Sciences. The search will be led by Richard Torgerson and Fred Moore, executive search consultants. Applications are due by March 19; see the Position Profile for more information.

Dunwoody College of Technology, based in Minneapolis, Minn., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new vice president for academic and student affairs. This cabinet-level leadership position reports to the president and works collaboratively to shape the future direction of academic programs, instructional strategies and student experience at the college. The search will be led by Loren Anderson and Kim Bobby, executive search consultants. Applications are due by April 6; see the Position Profile for more information.

Indian River State College, based in Fort Pierce, Fla., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. The next president will be a consultative, creative visionary who values all who work, study and serve at the college. The search will be led by Rod McDavis, managing principal; Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal; and Fred Moore, executive search consultant. Applications are due by April 13; see the Position Profile for more information.

Kent State University, based in Kent, Ohio, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Kent State is one of the largest universities in Ohio and offers a wide variety of degree programs from associate degrees to doctorates. The search will be led by Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal, and Ellen Meyer, executive search consultant. Applications are due by March 27; see the Position Profile for more information.

Louisiana State University Alumni Association, based in Baton Rouge, La., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president and chief executive officer. The president and CEO will work in partnership with the board of directors to advance the association’s reputation as one of the most creative and unique alumni organizations in the nation. The search will be led by Kimberly Templeton, principal, and James Lanier, Jr., executive search consultant. Applications are due by March 30; see the Position Profile for more information.

Miami Dade College, based in Miami, Fla., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. MDC is seeking a president with outstanding leadership qualities, proven success leading dynamic complex organizations, and a demon¬strated ability to build partnerships with key stakeholders. The search will be led by Rod McDavis, managing principal; Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal; and Carlos Hernández and Fred Moore, executive search consultants. Applications are due by March 23; see the Position Profile for more information.

Southern Connecticut State University, based in New Haven, Conn., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new vice president for enrollment management. The ideal candidate will have successful and progressively more responsible leadership experience in enrollment management. The search will be led by Robert Holyer, executive search consultant. Applications are due by March 23; see the Position Profile for more information.

Valparaiso University, based in Valparaiso, Ind., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new dean of the College of Business. Valparaiso University is an independent, doctoral/professional university with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. The search will be led by Robert Holyer, executive search consultant. Applications are due by March 30; see the Position Profile for more information.

###

About AGB Search
AGB Search, based in Washington, D.C., specializes in providing tailored services, including permanent search, interim search, and compensation evaluation, to higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a unique understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. The firm has conducted more than 600 searches from small, private colleges to large public institutions.  www.agbsearch.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 11, 2020 – AGB Search, a national leader in higher education executive search, has announced that Executive Search Consultant Melinda Leonardo, Ph.D., has been appointed director of the firm’s Interim Search division. The division was previously led by Joseph Johnston, who stepped down from the role in December. As director of Interim Search, Leonardo will oversee new business development, candidate recruitment and the search process for interim appointments. 

Leonardo has served as a search consultant for AGB Search for more than six years. She is the program coordinator for the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education, a program designed to prepare leaders for a higher education presidency. She also serves as AGB Search’s coordinator of training and orientation for a team of over 50 consultants. Additionally, Leonardo is certified and serves as one of the firm’s Predictive Index analysts.

“Melinda is an outstanding professional who brings both search expertise and a commitment to excellence to our firm,” Dr. Rod McDavis, AGB Search managing principal, said. “We look forward to the growth and expansion of our Interim Search division, under Melinda’s impeccable leadership.” 

Leonardo has more than 15 years of experience in executive search for higher education, assisting colleges and universities in presidential and vice-presidential searches. Prior to joining AGB Search, she worked with another search firm, where she was responsible for the firm’s marketing initiatives, proposal development, pitch presentations and contract negotiations. 

“During my tenure with AGB Search, I have had the opportunity to work with exceptional leaders from all facets of higher education,” Leonardo said. “AGB Search has such passion for the industry, emphasizing relationships with clients and candidates, and prioritizing quality in all we do. I am looking forward to expanding my role with the firm and being part of its exciting future.”

###

About AGB Search
AGB Search, based in Washington, D.C., specializes in providing tailored services, including permanent search, interim search, and compensation evaluation, to higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a unique understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. The firm has conducted more than 600 searches at institutions ranging from small, private colleges to large public institutions and research universities.  www.agbsearch.com.

New consultants bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to executive search firm

Washington, D.C. – February 4, 2020 –Washington D.C.-based higher education search firm AGB Search welcomes three new leadership team members to its roster of higher education professionals. Monica Burton, Peggy Plympton, Ed.D., and Concetta Stewart, Ph.D., join as principals/executive search consultants. AGB Search provides permanent search, interim search and compensation evaluation services to universities, colleges and related institutions.

“AGB Search is very pleased to expand our team of search experts with these talented, experienced industry leaders,” Dr. Rod McDavis, AGB Search managing principal, said. “We look forward to collaborating with Monica, Peggy and Concetta and continuing to expand our capabilities.”

Burton has enjoyed a 20-year career in executive search during which she has recruited senior leaders across diverse industries. Prior to joining AGB Search, Burton was a partner in the education and nonprofit practices at a leading global search firm. While early experience included work with Fortune 500 companies and pre-eminent private equity firms, Burton has always dedicated a portion of her practice to serving mission-driven organizations in education, the nonprofit sector and healthcare. Her experience in higher education search spans presidential, academic and business officer leadership roles.

Plympton joins AGB Search after serving in a similar role for the higher education practice of a global search firm. She previously served as deputy chair and acting chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Prior to her time at NEH, Plympton was a consultant at a well-known search firm within the higher education and nonprofit practice. There she supported nationwide searches for a range of positions in higher education administration. She also served as vice president for finance and administration at Lehigh University and Bucknell University and held administrative and finance roles at Yale University, Wellesley College and Harvard University. 

Stewart brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education with particular expertise in academic affairs, program development, the arts, technology and communications. She has extensive knowledge of the executive search process and has assisted in over 40 senior-level searches prior to joining AGB Search. Stewart has also served higher education institutions in several different roles, notably as interim president and provost of Mercy College and as dean at Temple University and Pratt Institute. Additionally, Stewart has served as trustee of The American College of Greece for more than a decade, including service as chair and vice chair.

AGB Search principals and executive search consultants offer high-level expertise in identifying and securing leaders for higher education; many have served as institution presidents, senior executives and board members. 

About AGB Search
AGB Search, based in Washington, D.C., specializes in providing tailored services, including permanent search, interim search, and compensation evaluation, to higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a unique understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. The firm has conducted more than 600 searches at institutions ranging from small, private colleges to large public institutions and research universities. www.agbsearch.com.

Six-month program will prepare participants for institutional leadership and effective relationships with boards of trustees. 

Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2018 – With the higher education presidency changing at a dramatic pace, four organizations have joined forces to ensure future leaders have the requisite skills and knowledge to successfully lead institutions of higher learning.

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), AGB Search, the Rockefeller Institute of Government (SUNY), and the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Education, today announced the launch of the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education (www.leadandgovern.com). The Institute is designed to prepare higher education executives for the position of president or chancellor at research universities or regional comprehensive institutions.

Research shows that the average tenure of college presidents in their current positions was six-and-a-half years in 2016, down from about seven years in 2011 and an average of eight-and-a-half years in 2006. These data suggest that a larger pool of qualified leaders is needed at more institutions of higher education every year. The presidency itself is also transforming, with more emphasis placed on technology, fundraising, and the changing student demographic.

Dr. Nancy Zimpher, Ph.D., chancellor emerita of State University of New York (SUNY), will serve as director for the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education.

“Assuming a presidential leadership role is an acquired skill, including a masterful combination of vision, action and sustainability,” Zimpher stated. “Learning to lead in partnership with your institution’s board of trustees will guarantee success. At the heart of the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance is just this kind of collective impact.”  
 
The six-month institute, which will kick off in January 2019, is composed of two onsite symposia (Washington, D.C. and New York City), four monthly webinars, exclusive attendance at the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship in April 2019, and an on-campus shadowing experience with a sitting president. The Institute offers an unmatched opportunity for participants to learn from sitting university presidents, chancellors, trustees, and key industry leaders. 

The AGB Institute for Leadership and Governance is open to a maximum of 24 individuals per year. More information and the application form can be found at www.leadandgovern.com. 

###

About AGB
The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is the premier organization centered on governance in higher education. AGB provides leadership and counsel to member boards, chief executives, organizational staff, policy makers, and other key industry leaders to help them navigate the changing education landscape. www.agb.org 

About AGB Search
AGB Search, based in Washington, D.C., is the only firm that specializes in all aspects of higher education executive search, including permanent search, interim search and compensation evaluation. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a unique understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership.  www.agbsearch.com

About the Rockefeller Institute of Government (SUNY)
The Rockefeller Institute of Government is a public policy think tank that conducts cutting-edge research and analysis to inform lasting solutions to the problems facing New York State and the nation. The Institute’s mission is to improve the capacities of communities, state and local governments, and the federal system to work toward genuine, evidence-based solutions. http://rockinst.org/ 

About the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Education
A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs. The nationally ranked and accredited programs of the School of Education have been the springboard to outstanding careers in numerous fields. www.albany.edu/education 

Partnership will focus on the placements of Chiefs of Staff to build effective executive offices.

AGB Search would like to formally announce our new partnership with Prime Chief of Staff.

This partnership brings our near decade-long focus on the placement of higher-education executives across US-based colleges and universities together with Prime’s specialized placement of Chiefs of Staff to create more efficient and effective Executive Offices within higher education.

Our companies share a passion for working within our “circles of competence.” As a team of former executives in higher education, AGB Search deeply understands their area of expertise just as we do for the Chief of Staff role. By working together, we can enhance the services we provide higher education institutions seeking executives and/or Chiefs of Staff. We also share a desire to help our clients achieve lasting results through exceptional talent and long-term trusted partnerships. We both value fostering strong relationships with clients and candidates alike versus a transactional hiring approach.

With a combined 13 years of experience, Prime and AGB Search know how paramount the effective operations of executive offices must be toward an organization’s success. Together, we look forward to providing higher education clients with strong executive teams with minimal transition time and accelerated results.

CATHERINE M. BERARDI

ceo | prime chief of staff

cberardi@primechiefofstaff.com | (720) 557-1057

primechiefofstaff.com