Academic Career & Executive Search

About Us

Leadership. Impact.

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) is exclusively dedicated to higher education institutions. Recognizing the unique challenges of the education landscape, our flexible, flat fee search services cater to any budget level, without compromising on quality. Backed by a team of strong researchers, we take pride in generating robust and diverse candidate pools, ensuring the best-fit talent for every position. We possess an unparalleled ability to reach passive candidates, granting you access to hidden talent gems. We are skilled in filling even the most challenging and niche academic, leadership, and senior staff positions.

Our customer-centric approach sets us apart as our highly responsive team consistently ensures a seamless and efficient recruitment process, tailored to your specific needs. Our clients include 4-year universities, 2-year colleges, public and private institutions, R1 research universities, and liberal arts colleges.

Achievements

Academic Career & Executive Search

Our Team

5

The success of our team is a customer-centric approach and dedication to providing an exceptional search experience by delivering premium services, solutions, candidate pools, and search success.

Academic Career & Executive Search

Solutions And Expertise

We offer multiple levels of search services designed to meet your needs and budgets, giving you affordable options for every position level from faculty to senior administration.

We offer a fixed fee rather than a sliding scale or percentage of salary. Eliminated are additional monthly, research, administrative, or hourly/per diem fees, assuring stable fees over a search’s duration.

Enhanced Search:

Our most comprehensive level of service. We are involved in every step of the process from candidate profile development to final reference checks. Four levels of vetting include candidate review, social media and Google background check, candidate questionnaire and prescreen phone interview. Interview coordination and reference checks included. Placement guarantee included.

Full Search:

A slightly more economical search service including all items in the Enhanced Search including the four levels of vetting (candidate review, social media and Google check, candidate questionnaire and prescreen phone interview). Interview coordination and reference checks not included. Placement guarantee included.

Candidate Generator:

Our most economical level provides all stages included in the initial work to build the candidate pool. It includes three of the four levels of vetting (candidate review, social media and Google check, candidate questionnaire) including salary verification. Search committees review qualified candidates, conduct video interviews, identify finalists, and make the hire. Prescreen phone interview and written narrative, reference checks or interview coordination not included. Placement guarantee not included.

Faculty Hire:

Developed specifically for single or multi-hire faculty searches and offers the ability to hire multiple faculty from a single search effort. This level provides all stages included in the initial work to build the candidate pool and two of the four levels of vetting (candidate review, social media and Google check along with salary verification. Search committees review qualified candidates, conduct video interviews, identify finalists, and make the hire. ACES maintains weekly progress meetings throughout the search process. Candidate questionnaire, prescreen phone interview and written narrative, reference checks or interview coordination not included. Placement guarantee not included.

Solutions
  • Board Services
  • Career Services
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Executive Coaching
  • Executive Search
  • Interim
  • Leadership Develop.
  • On-Demand Recruiting
  • Onboarding
  • Recruitment Research

Academic Career & Executive Search

News Briefings

Academic Career & Executive Search Places CEO and Dean, School of Nursing at Tarleton State University

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

Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Dean for Boise State University

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been tapped by Boise State University to lead in its search for a dean for the College of Engineering. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. The next dean must have a growth mentality and future-oriented outlook for the acquisition and allocation of resources to address strategic goals that position the

Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Washtenaw Community College

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) was recently retained by Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The search is being led by managing partner Jennifer Muller. Reporting to the president and serving on the president’s executive leadership team, the CHRO is responsible for integrating human

Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Massachusetts College of Art and Design

A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) was recently selected to recruit the next chief human resources officer for Massachusetts College of Art and Design. The search is being led by managing partner Jennifer Muller. This is a vibrant period for

Academic Career & Executive Search

Press Releases

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

(June 9, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Amanda Duval-Norwood, securing the role as Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Amanda Duval-Norwood is a nationally experienced

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Dean of the College of Health Sciences at The University of Texas Permian Basin

(June 9, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Dr. Ramona Ann Parker, securing the role as Dean for the College of Health Sciences at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Dr.

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer at St. Mary’s University

(May 7, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Gwendolen M. Pechan, securing the role as Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer at St. Mary’s University. Gwendolen “Gwen” Pechan

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) selected by Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) for General Counsel Search

(May 7, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next General Counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search. The General Counsel will serve as the University’s chief

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Chief Information Officer at Central New Mexico Community College

(May 7, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Chris Ament, securing the role as the next Chief Information Officer at the Central New Mexico Community College. Chris Ament is currently the

Academic Career & Executive Search

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