AGB Search Opens 2021 with Slew of Top Recruiting Assignments
January 25, 2021 – A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will allow high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization – not to mention a pandemic and post-pandemic era.
One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, has become a magnet for such assignments — recently launching a variety of top leadership searches for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Iowa, the University of Alaska Anchorage, Southern Connecticut State University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and others. For this search firm and a raft of others the remainder of 2021 looks to be busy, even while the academic sector is being hit from all angles as a result of the current crisis.
Collegeville Institute, based in Collegeville, MN., recently selected the firm to conduct the search for its new executive director. The role calls for a seasoned leader who eagerly embraces the organization’s mission that “brings together people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to foster the world’s healing through the power of religious ideas, insight and practices.” Executive search consultant Loren Anderson is leading the assignment.
Delaware Valley University, based in Doylestown, PA., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new vice president of finance and administration (VPFA). The VPFA will have responsibility for financial planning, management and assessment of the financial activities of the university, as well as leadership of the information technology, auxiliary services and enterprise risk management activities. Principal Peggy Plympton and consultant Oscar Page are leading the assignment.
Hanover College, based in Hanover, IN, selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new vice president for business affairs. Hanover seeks a candidate who is an experienced and successful leader with a deep understanding of the financial challenges that small colleges and universities are facing. Executive search consultants Frederick Moore and Melinda Leonardo are leading the search.
Lancaster Theological Seminary, based in Lancaster, PA, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. The next president will be called to build upon the seminary’s long and proud tradition of educating leaders for church and society. Mr. Anderson is leading the search.
Cultivating the Higher Education Leadership Pipeline
In this brand new episode of ‘Talent Talks,’ Hunt Scanlon Media host Rob Adams is joined by Rod McDavis, managing principal of AGB Search and Nancy Zimpher, Chancellor Emerita of the University at Albany. In this podcast, Dr. McDavis and Dr. Zimpher share recent trends in higher education leadership including diversity and how AGB’s Institute for Leadership & Governance is changing the game. Listen now!
Minnesota State, based in St. Paul, MN, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new vice chancellor for equity and inclusion. The vice chancellor reports to the chancellor and is a member of the chancellor’s cabinet and leads the equity and inclusion division while providing guidance and oversight for the Minnesota State equity and inclusion strategic plan. Executive search consultants Kim Bobby and Carlos Hernandez are leading the search.
Mount Mercy University, based in Cedar Rapids, IA, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. The new president will possess the experience, skills and drive required to shape the future of this innovative and forward-looking institution, while exemplifying the character and ethics expected in a highly visible and trusted university and community leader. Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal, and Monica Burton, principal, are leading the search.
Owens Community College, based in Toledo, OH, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. The college is on a quest to identify a student-centered visionary president with a distinguished track record in collaborative leadership and passion for the community college experience that will translate to effective advocacy for Owens. Roderick McDavis, managing principal, as well as Ms. Bobby and Mr. Moore are leading the search.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, based in Pittsburgh, PA, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. The next president will be an ordained minister or a theologically trained member of a Christian denomination with an understanding of the challenges facing theological education and will have experience as a proven and collaborative senior administrative leader in theological education, higher education, or other non-profit organization. Ms. Anderson and consultant Shannon McCambridge are leading the search.
Southern Connecticut State University, based in New Haven, CT, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new dean of the School of Business. The new dean will have the opportunity to bring to conclusion several initiatives currently underway, including AACSB accreditation, a new building, new curricula, and enhanced fundraising initiatives. Executive search consultant Robert Holyer is leading the search.
Williston State College, based in Williston, ND, has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its new president. In keeping with the college’s values, the governing board and college seek an energetic, can-do president who will bring inspired and innovative leadership along with seasoned managerial skills. Executive search consultants James McCormick and Janice Fitzgerald are leading the search.
The University of Alaska Anchorage, based in Anchorage, AK invites nominations and applications for the position of dean of the College of Engineering. Reporting to the provost, the dean is responsible for the effective administration of the college encompassing all academic and administrative matters within the college. Principals Monica Burton and Concetta Stewart are leading the search.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), based in Houston, invites nominations and applications for the position of associate vice president for academic affairs (AVPAA). The AVPAA will lead the development of a strategic vision and plan for academic innovation that enhances UHD’s identity and commitments and aligns with institutional priorities. Ms. Plympton and Mr. Page are leading the assignment.
Related: AGB Search Enters Final Stretch of 2020 With Wide Range of Assignments Underway
The University of Houston-Downtown also invites nominations and applications for the position of dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The new dean will serve as the chief academic and administrative leader for the college and reports directly to the provost. Ms. Plympton and Mr. Page are leading the search.
The University of Iowa, based in Iowa City, IA, invites nominations and applications for the position of president. The board seeks an individual who will build upon the university’s legacy and embrace its direction toward new chapters of exploration, discovery, creation, and engagement. Roderick McDavis, managing principal, and Mr. McCormick and Ms. Fitzgerald are leading the search.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha, based in Omaha, Neb., invites nominations and applications for the position of chancellor. The chancellor serves as UNO’s chief executive officer, exercises broad delegated authority, and is responsible for all aspects of campus administration including academic affairs, student success, athletics, and business and finance. Executive search consultants Sally Mason and Garry Owens are leading the search.
Serving Universities
AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership, conducts searches for college and university presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, university system heads and CEOs of coordinating boards and related foundations. The firm was founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010.
Following a national search, AGB Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Melody Tankersley as the new provost for Kent State University in Ohio. An experienced leader, Dr. Tankersley has served Kent State in positions of increasing responsibility since 1993. Established in 1910, Kent State is a large, primarily residential, public research university. It is one of the largest universities in the state with an enrollment of 39,367 students in the eight-campus system and 28,972 students at the main campus. AGB has previously assisted Kent State in searches for the directors of the Fashion School and the School of Music.
Related: AGB Search Selected by University of North Dakota to Find Provost
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
