Academic Career & Executive Search Helps Dallas College Recruit President for El Centro Campus
April 21, 2021 – West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) recently placed Bradford Williams, former president of Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), as the new president of El Centro Campus at Dallas College in Dallas, TX. Dr. Williams replaces José Adames, who stepped down in December after leading Dallas College El Centro Campus for six years. “Dallas College sought to find a cutting-edge, results-focused leader with a proven history of developing partnerships, promoting student success, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while inspiring teams to deliver exceptional customer service and student experiences,” said Jennifer Muller, managing partner at ACES. “Dr. Williams has a record of success as an academic administrator in higher education and has proven his ability to work effectively with senior leadership, faculty, and students. We wish Dr. Williams and Dallas College every success on their path forward together.”
“After several interviews as well as input from our search committee and community members, it soon became apparent that Dr. Williams’ experience and enthusiasm for higher education best aligned with our mission and made him the best fit for this role,” said Joe May, Dallas College chancellor.
Strong Experience
Dr. Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing and music and a master’s degree in human resource administration from East Central University in Ada, OK., and a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education from Oklahoma State University. Driven by a strong commitment to student success, employee excellence and community relevance, he is known for valuing creativity and innovation, collaboration and the integration of technology to enhance resources to help students move forward.
Prior to OSU-OKC, Dr. Williams served as deputy director of strategic planning and initiative at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. He also directed fundraising efforts at the Price Tower Arts Center in Bartlesville, OK, and at the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Williams also worked as an ombudsman for the Chickasaw Nation office of community advocacy and for its division of housing. He is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation.
“It’s an honor to join the Dallas College team,” said Dr. Williams. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and help people become the best version of themselves.”
Dallas College, formerly known as Dallas County Community College District, has served the community for over 50 years operating as a district of seven independently accredited colleges. In 2020, those colleges united under a single name offering students a more streamlined, convenient experience. The seven original campuses continue on as primary locations. El Centro College, located in the center of Dallas’ downtown area, is a designated Hispanic-serving institution and Achieving the Dream campus with over 11,000 students.
Experienced Recruiters
Academic Career & Executive Search focuses on executive search services, career planning and candidate coaching. Specializing in challenging faculty to senior administrative positions, the firm offers six a la carte services spanning full search, candidate generation, interim, multi-hire and contingency search. Candidate support services include webinars, career planning and candidate coaching. Its team has served in virtually every capacity in higher education including president, vice president, provost, dean, chief human research officer and faculty members across all types and sizes of institutions.
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Chief Internal Auditor at Dallas College
West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Lori Cox, the former tribal administrator for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson, AZ, as the new chief internal auditor for Dallas College in Texas. Managing partner Jennifer Muller led the assignment for the search firm. “Dallas College sought a sophisticated senior financial executive with impeccable communication skills to serve in this critical and highly visible role,” said Ms. Muller.
Ms. Muller has more than 20 years of research and development experience in higher education and Fortune 500 companies. She has led over 70 higher education searches both domestically and internationally spanning presidents, vice presidents, associate chancellors, deans, directors, chairs and faculty level positions. She is former vice chair of the American Council on Education (ACE) Executive Search Roundtable and serves as an advisor in the numerous ACE leadership development forums.
Related: Why Universities Have Stepped Up Efforts to Involve Search Firms
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
