PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Associate Vice President for University Advancement at University of Central Missouri

(August 28, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Molly Lieberknecht, securing the role as Associate Vice President for University Advancement at the University of Central Missouri (UCM).

Molly Lieberknecht is a results-driven sales leader with over three decades of experience in hospitality and tourism. She has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and building high-performing teams.  She’s recognized for innovative problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and a consistent record of exceeding revenue targets. Molly was recently Director of Sales & Marketing at Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center. She is an alum from UCM, having received her Master’s degree in Career & Technical Education. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, Molly will serve as the chief operational leader for advancement, ensuring fiscal integrity, systems effectiveness, and organizational excellence in support of UCM’s philanthropic and alumni engagement missions.

Founded in 1871, the University of Central Missouri is a comprehensive, public university committed to academic excellence, affordability, and student success. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCM offers more than 150 academic programs and maintains a strong reputation for high-quality, accessible education. The university continues to climb in national rankings, recently named among the Top 20 Public Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (2026). With two thriving campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, UCM serves a diverse student body and fosters a culture of engagement, innovation, and service that prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.