Academic Career & Executive Search Places CEO and Dean, School of Nursing at Tarleton State University
September 13, 2024 – Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed John Michael Leger as chief executive officer and dean, school of nursing at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “Dr. Leger is well-equipped to lead our School of Nursing, having over 20 years of experience as a healthcare executive, including roles such as chief nursing officer, vice president of nursing, and hospital CEO,” said Ramona Parker, associate vice president and executive dean for the College of Health Sciences. “I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am confident that, under his leadership, we will continue to advance and strengthen our program.”
Dr. Leger comes to Tarleton State after spending the past 10 years at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. In this role, he has served as a professor, track coordinator for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) executive nurse leadership track, and the inaugural interim track coordinator for the nursing PhD program. Dr. Leger taught primarily in graduate-level programs and served as an adviser to special initiatives in the undergraduate programs. He also designed, developed, and initiated an online orientation program in 2015 called CORE, which improved the preparation of incoming MSN students for the realities and expectations of online education. Through the program, the university saw improved on-time graduation rates and lower attrition rates in participants. Additionally, Dr. Leger assisted in creating a similar program to include RN-BSN students, which later expanded to include doctoral programs.
In his position with Tarleton, Dr. Leger will manage the administrative functions of the School of Nursing and focus on the plans and initiatives that support Tarleton Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan. “Visiting the campus and the people I met during my interviews only reassured me that I had made the right decision to pursue this position,” said Dr. Leger. “The pride of the faculty, staff and students in Tarleton State University is evident in how they speak about the culture and the excitement for the future. I see nothing but opportunity at Tarleton State, and particularly the future of the School of Nursing. I look forward to working with Dr. Ramona Parker and the faculty, staff, and students at the university.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
Serving Universities
Based in West Hartford, CT, 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.
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.
CHRO Search
ACES was also recently selected to recruit the next chief human resources officer for Massachusetts College of Art and Design. This is a vibrant period for the school and a unique opportunity to lead at a distinguished institution as the college commemorates its 150th anniversary. The successful candidate will be an informed decision maker who capitalizes on opportunities to promote the organization’s mission, vision, and values actively.
The CHRO plays an integral role in driving the organization’s commitment to strengthening its position as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. Reporting to the vice president of administration and finance, this executive attracts, develops, engages, and retains top talent. The CHRO sets the tone for the employee experience, advises the senior leadership team, and leverages the human capital that supports organizational advancement.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
