About Us

AGB Search offers executive search, interim search, and compensation evaluation services exclusively for higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, we have an unmatched understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership.Our affiliation with AGB ensures clients receive access to valued governance resources and training, in addition to our highly-regarded search services.

AGB Search’s Executive Search Consultants have extensive experience in higher education search, and many have served in college and university leadership positions. We have a team of Associates and Research Associates who expertly manage the search and vetting process, and our staff serves as critical support to the search professionals. Our track record provides institutional search teams with the confidence that their search will be successful.

Our deep expertise, coupled with our commitment to our work, results in successful outcomes for both clients and candidates. We have completed more than 750 search assignments, more than 250 of which were Presidents or Chancellors. Fifty percent of our appointments are women or people of color, and 93 percent of our appointments stay in their positions for at least five years.

Achievements

Recent Assignments

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Most of our search consultants are former presidents or senior executives of public and private four-year institutions, state and university systems, and community colleges.

Solutions And Expertise

Our deep expertise, coupled with our commitment to our work, results in successful outcomes for both clients and candidates.  We have completed more than 750 search assignments, more than 250 of which were Presidents or Chancellors. Fifty percent of our appointments are women or people of color, and 93 percent of our appointments stay in their positions for at least five years.

Solutions
  • Anti-Bias Training
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Assessment
  • Compensation Consulting
  • Executive Search
  • Interim
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Presidential Transition Support
Industries
  • Associations
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Foundations
  • Higher Education
  • Non-Profits
Functions
  • Administration & Finance
  • Advancement
  • Advancement & Foundations
  • Community College Leaders
  • Foundations
  • Presidents & Chancellors
  • Provosts & Deans

News Briefings

AGB Search Opens 2021 with Slew of Top Recruiting Assignments

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

AGB Search Closing 2020 with Multiple Searches for Top Universities

A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization – not to mention a pandemic. One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, has become a magnet

AGB Search Fills Provost Post for Kent State University 

Following a national search, Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search has assisted in the recruitment of Melody Tankersley as the new provost for Kent State University in Ohio. Melissa K. Trotta and Ellen Meyer led the assignment. An experienced leader, Dr. Tankersley has served Kent State in positions of increasing responsibility since 1993. In 2019, she was named interim senior

AGB Search Selected by University of North Dakota to Find Provost

A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to steer them through a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization – not to mention a pandemic. One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, was recently selected by

Press Releases

The University of the District of Columbia, based in Washington, D.C., has engaged AGB Search to conduct the search for its new associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) and founding director of the School of Health and Clinical Sciences.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) invites nominations and applications for Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) and Founding Director of the College’s new School of Health and Clinical Sciences. The Associate Dean reports to the Dean of the College. UDC’s mission and strategic vision support

Eastern Kentucky University has also selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its next dean of the College of Business.

Norfolk State University, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is pleased to announce its search for the University’s next Dean of the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. NSU, a Historically Black College/University, seeks nominations and applications for a visionary, strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Dean of the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work.

Eastern Kentucky University, based in Richmond, Ky., has selected AGB Search to conduct the search for its next dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS).

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) seeks a dynamic, vibrant and visionary leader who will play a central role in shaping the success, growth and future as its next Dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences (CLASS). The dean will provide innovative, collaborative, and flexible leadership for CLASS, including the delivery, assessment, and review

Cleveland State University, based in Cleveland, is now accepting applications for its next provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.

Cleveland State University (CSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Provost is the Chief Academic officer of the University, reporting directly to the President and serves on the President’s Cabinet. The provost will be an innovative leader who will provide an energizing vision for

Multimedia

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Human Resources in Higher Education: A Renewed Appreciation

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AGB Search

Voices from the Academy Video Series

President Joan Gabel, University of Minnesota
Dr. M. Brian Blake (Part 1), George Washington University; COVID, Black Lives Matter
Dr. M. Brian Blake (Part 2); George Washington University; Enrollment & Campus Engagement
Dr. M. Brian Blake (Part 3), George Washington University; The Role of Provost
President Keith Whitfield, University of Nevada, Las Vegas