Buffkin / Baker Assists Florida Atlantic University with Provost Search
February 9, 2026 – Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Ken Dawson-Scully, as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of Florida Atlantic University. “I am excited to welcome Ken back to Florida Atlantic,” said Florida Atlantic president Adam Hasner. “When I became president, I committed to conducting a national search for a provost who combined strong academic credentials with proven leadership in higher education, a deep understanding of the importance of supporting research within an R1 institution, experience in financial management and data driven decision-making, and who shared my vision for the university’s future.
“After looking nationwide, we discovered that the most qualified candidate was right here at home,” Mr. Hasner said. “I look forward to having Ken work as my partner as we accelerate our university’s ascent and continue driving toward even greater achievements. I appreciate Dean Valery Forbes’ leadership and the work of the search committee, who brought thoroughness and insight to this process. Their efforts ensured that the university’s best interests were prioritized throughout the search and that we identified the most qualified leader to serve as our provost.”
“President Hasner’s firm commitment to a comprehensive national search ensured that we evaluated top academic talent from across the country,” said Kim Dunn, PhD, member of the Florida Board of Governors, former chair of Florida Atlantic’s faculty senate, and committee member for the provost search. “From that distinguished pool, Ken Dawson-Scully emerged as a leader who could honor FAU’s past while boldly shaping its future. Ken’s experience, innovative vision, and deep understanding of FAU uniquely position him to guide the university into its next chapter of excellence.”
Dr. Dawson-Scully has served as the associate provost and senior vice president for research at Nova Southeastern University since 2021. He currently leads the division of research and economic development guiding research strategy, infrastructure, compliance, technology transfer, clinical research operations, and faculty and student research support. Dr. Dawson-Scully also played a role in Florida Atlantic’s past successes. He served in several leadership roles during his 13 years (2008-2021) at the university, including as associate VP for strategic initiatives (2018-2021) where, among other achievements, he led initiatives that dramatically increased National Merit Scholar enrollment.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Florida Atlantic in this role at such an important moment for the university,” said Dr. Dawson-Scully. “As I have said throughout this process, serving as provost at Florida Atlantic is my dream job. I look forward to partnering with president Hasner, our deans, and our faculty to strengthen teaching, elevate academic excellence and the learning experience, continue our intense focus on student success, and expand the already strong ties between our programs and the region’s workforce, creating even more opportunities for our extraordinary students.”
“I am delighted that we were able to attract a candidate of such a high caliber as Ken and excited to work with him moving forward,” said Valery Forbes, dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and chair of the provost search committee. “I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the search, nominated qualified applicants, and engaged with the candidates who came to campus. I want to especially thank the members of the search committee for their commitment and collaboration during this entire process.”
Florida Atlantic University is a public university based in Boca Raton, Florida. Founded in 1961, it is part of the State University System of Florida and has multiple campuses across South Florida. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across a wide range of academic fields.
Proven Search Firm
Buffkin / Baker is a specialty boutique search firm composed of industry leaders in their respective fields and each has over a decade of retained search experience. Their focus as search professionals is to recruit leaders in digital marketing/advertising, technology, healthcare, media/entertainment, finance, higher education, and non-profit. The firm serves public, private, venture, and private equity-backed companies. Its office locations include Nashville, TN; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Winston Salem, NC, with affiliate offices in London.
Buffkin / Baker is a member of Panorama Search, an international federation of retained firms with 18 firms and over 30 offices globally. Buffkin / Baker formed in 2017 with the merger of the Buffkin Group and Baker and Associates LLC.
Craig Buffkin, the firm’s founder, serves as the managing partner, and as head of the private equity and transformation practices, where he is actively involved with client engagements and business development. He has completed search work at the board, executive and senior level both nationally and internationally for a wide range of private, public, venture-backed, and private equity-back companies.
Based in Winston Salem, NC, Martin Baker has been in executive search for more than 22 years. In addition to his role as managing partner, he is also head of the firm’s higher education practice. He previously worked in the Atlanta office of Korn Ferry, where he developed search strategy and executed searches for numerous senior-level appointments. He began his career as a research associate with Saxton Bampfylde, an executive search and management assessment firm in London. He has conducted searches for the positions of CEO, CFO, CIO, provost, dean, director, and professor, having worked on over 350 searches throughout his career.
Related: Buffkin / Baker Recruits General Counsel for the University of Missouri
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
