Academic Search Retained by Henry Ford College to Find Next President
January 5, 2026 – Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been tapped by Henry Ford College (HFC) to lead in its search for a new president. Russ Kavalhuna left the school last year to become the president of Western Michigan University. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins are leading the assignment.
Candidates will have a career that reflects the following competencies and qualifications. After meeting the minimum qualifications, education, experience, and training that demonstrate proficiency and the ability to perform the essential duties will be evaluated for equivalency to the additional qualities a candidate may possess listed below.
Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate or terminal degree; and significant recent senior/executive administrative experience in higher education or indicative of leading a comprehensive community college. Additional qualities a candidate may possess include teaching or similar experience in student services as well as proven experience working collaboratively within institutions with strong systems of shared governance. Those applying must have proven effectiveness at establishing and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships with collective bargaining units.
For a full list of what Academic Search is looking for in candidates please click here. The presidential search advisory committee will begin a review of applications immediately and continue until an appointment is made. The new president is expected to start July 1, 2026. The expected hiring salary range for the president is $275,000 to $300,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
For over 80 years, Henry Ford College has been a leader in providing innovative education focused on student success. Located in Dearborn, MI, the school is a comprehensive college providing both two- and four-year degrees. Educational opportunities for students include over 150 career and university transfer programs, pre-professional studies, associate degrees in science, applied science, arts, and associate degrees general studies, a bachelor’s in culinary arts, as well as certificates.
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.
Dr. Pippins, who is also a senior executive coach, joined Academic Search in 2016 as a senior consultant. Prior to this, she served as president of two community colleges (Thomas Nelson in Hampton, VA, and Suffolk County Community College in Long Island, NY), as a senior vice president of programs and services at the American Council on Education (ACE) and as president of Victory University in Memphis, TN.
Related: Academic Search Recruits President for Norwich University
After four decades in higher education, Dr. Cummins joined Academic Search as a senior consultant in 2021. From teaching as a graduate assistant to serving as a college president—while earning advanced degrees along the way—Dr. Cummins has dedicated himself to accessibility in higher education. As a consultant for Academic Search, he is motivated to enrich institutions by finding the most qualified candidates and assisting search committees as they hire esteemed individuals.
Muskingum University Search
Academic Search was also selected by Muskingum University in New Concord, OH, to lead in its search for its 22nd president. Current president Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026, after a decade of leadership. The search is being led by senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with Carly Place, associate consultant. The board of trustees seeks an innovative, collaborative, and decisive leader to build on the university’s 189- year history of academic excellence and achievement.
Academic Search Assists the University of Alabama with the Recruitment of 30th President
Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Peter J. Mohler as the 30th president of the University of Alabama. Academic Search has partnered with UA on several successful searches, including the hiring of former president Robert E. Witt and the hiring past president Stuart 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.”
The next president of Muskingum University will bring a deep commitment to the liberal arts and a broad understanding of the role of higher education in an increasingly competitive landscape. The successful candidate will be a bold collaborator and a dynamic leader with a distinguished record of successful and progressive leadership in a complex organization.
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.
Related: Academic Search Places New Provost for New Mexico State University
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
