PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Briar Cliff University

(December 12, 2025, 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 Dr. Brian Peterson, securing the role as Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Briar Cliff University.

Brian Peterson joins Briar Cliff from LaGrange College, where he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Peterson brings more than three decades of experience in higher education, beginning his academic career in 1996 as an economics instructor, with previous positions held at LaGrange College, Central College, and Manchester University. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from Indiana University – Bloomington, and a B.S. in Business Administration (Economics) from the University of Dayton. Throughout his career, Dr. Peterson has served as a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader, guided by a deep belief that higher education extends beyond the classroom. He is known for his collaborative, transparent leadership style and his commitment to fostering relationships that strengthen both academic and student life. In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Peterson remains deeply engaged in the academic community. He currently serves on the editorial board of the American Conference of Academic Deans (ACAD) Newsletter, a Consulting Editor of the Journal of College Teaching, and a Delegate of the National Economic Education Delegation. He has also served as an off-site evaluator and Lead QEP Evaluator for regional accreditor, SACSCOC. Dr. Peterson will collaborate with the University’s leadership team to guide academic strategy, enhance student development, and continue strengthening Briar Cliff’s reputation for providing a nurturing and values-driven learning environment.

Briar Cliff University, founded in 1930, is a welcoming academic community overlooking the Missouri River in Sioux City, Iowa. What began on a hill once covered in briar patches has grown into a vibrant campus that now serves nearly 1,000 students. Rooted in the Franciscan values of service, compassion, and inclusivity, Briar Cliff fosters both academic excellence and personal growth, offering a transformative experience for students and professionals alike. The University offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs, a range of graduate degrees, and several online completion pathways to meet students where they are in their educational journey. From health sciences and business to education, social work, and the liberal arts, Briar Cliff delivers a mission-driven education that shapes not just résumés but character.

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/.