Academic Search Recruits 22nd President for Muskingum University
April 1, 2026 – Following a comprehensive national search, education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has recruited Flavius Lilly as the 22nd president of Muskingum University in New Concord, OH. Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026, after a decade of leadership. The search was led by senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with Carly Place, associate consultant. “Dr. Lilly is the right leader for Muskingum at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Cheryl Carpenter, chair of the board of trustees. “Throughout this search, our community was clear that we wanted a president who would champion academic excellence, expand opportunity for students, and lead with both strategic vision and genuine connection. Dr. Lilly’s commitment to innovation, access, and collaborative leadership aligns beautifully with Muskingum’s mission and momentum. We are confident he will build on our strong foundation and help shape an even brighter future for our University.”
“From the outset of this search, we sought a leader who embodies Muskingum’s values while boldly embracing the opportunities ahead,” said Jim Schmotter, chair of the presidential search committee. “Dr. Lilly stood out for his clarity of purpose, collaborative leadership style, and deep belief in the transformative power of a Muskingum education. He brings the experience, insight, and energy to guide the University with confidence into its next era of growth and distinction.”
Dr. Lilly is an experienced higher education executive and scholar who currently serves as Provost of McDaniel College. In this role, he oversees the academic enterprise, student life, and athletics and serves as an ex officio member of the board of trustees and its key committees. Over more than 25 years in senior leadership across public and private institutions, Dr. Lilly has guided strategic planning, academic innovation, enrollment growth, fundraising, and operational reform with a consistent focus on student success and institutional sustainability.
“I am deeply honored to join Muskingum University at such an important and exciting moment in its history,” said Dr. Lilly. “Muskingum’s commitment to academic excellence, access, and student-centered learning is both inspiring and deeply aligned with my own values. Students are at the heart of this University’s purpose, and I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders to build on Muskingum’s strong foundation. Together, we will expand opportunity, strengthen innovation, and ensure that every student is prepared to thrive and lead in a changing world.”
Muskingum is dedicated to serving a “continuum of learners” and offers programs designed to meet their diverse needs. Academic options include more than 60 undergraduate majors, an adult degree completion program, master’s degrees and a doctoral program, and continuing education in partnership with local business and industry.
For over three decades, Academic Search has been a leader in designing and implementing search processes for leaders of colleges and universities across the country. The firm has completed hundreds of executive searches for higher education institutions and related organizations, for roles ranging from presidents to provosts to deans. Academic Search has a formal relationship to a premier leadership development program. As the subsidiary of the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), the firm provides substantial financial support to a number of leadership identification, development, and support programs across all sectors of public and private higher education. The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Related: Academic Search Places New Provost for New Mexico State University
Dr. Herzberger served as president of Whittier College for 13 years, before retiring and being named president emerita. During her prior career, at Northwestern University and Trinity College, she held positions as vice president for planning and administration, vice president for student services, associate vice president for a capital campaign, and special assistant to the president for affirmative action. As a professor of psychology her research focused on the biases in individual and group decision-making.
Dr. DiBiasio has over 40 years of experience in higher education. He most recently served as the 11th president of Ohio Northern University from 2011–2022. Prior to that appointment, Dr. DiBiasio served as president of Wilmington College for 16 years from 1995–2011.
Ms. Place joined Academic Search in 2024. She has spent most of the past decade working in higher education. Ms. Place dedicated almost eight years to academic advising within Academic Services for Student Athletes at the University of Central Florida. In this role, she fostered strong relationships with student-athletes and guided them to discover their academic passions. Ms. Place also served as the head of the developing athletic advisors program, where she led recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives. In her time at UCF, she also managed award nominations, orientations, and events.
University of Alabama Search
Academic Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Peter J. Mohler as the 30th president of the University of Alabama. Stuart R. Bell, the 29th president of the University of Alabama, stepped down from the presidency mid-summer, completing a decade in the school’s top leadership role. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano led the assignment. Academic Search has partnered with UA on several successful searches, including the hiring of former president Robert E. Witt and the hiring of current president Dr. Bell.
“Dr. Mohler is uniquely equipped to build upon the University of Alabama’s strong foundation and lead this institution into an even brighter future,” said UA System chancellor Sid J. Trant, who recommended Mohler’s appointment to the board. “He is a champion for the power of public higher education to transform lives and communities through teaching, research and service, and he will advance our flagship mission through his bold, student-centered and visionary leadership.”
A distinguished leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Mohler previously served as executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge at Ohio State University and chief scientific officer of OSU’s Wexner Medical Center.
Related: Academic Search Recruits President for Norwich University
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
