Harris Search Associates

About Us

Harris Search Associates is a leading global executive search and board advisory consulting firm. Modeled after the first premier management-consulting firms, in 1997, we launched our practice exclusively focused on executive search and management consulting of executive leadership to support the growth of the foremost universities, research parks, institutes, academic medical centers, children’s hospitals and healthcare organizations driving global innovation and discovery. Based in Columbus Ohio, we have additional regional offices in San Francisco and Dallas. We have successfully completed over 1100 assignments.

We are the only national firm that combines the recruiting and leadership assessment expertise of consultants from the largest, most well-recognized retained search organizations with highly respected, former university Presidents, Provosts, Deans, Vice Presidents, and senior administrators from across the country.

At the highest level, retained executive search is a combination of both art and science. We are naturally curious, listen intently, and fervent in our aggressive recruitment of talent. Analytics, assessment tools, artificial intelligence, and the efficient use of data help inform our judgment, but skillful, adept search counsel guides the relationship between each client and our firm.

Each year, our business is represented by over 70% from repeat client institutions. Over the life of our firm we have successfully completed 94% of engagements. Assignments are consistently completed within 110 days, utilizing a process that blends efficiency with thorough due diligence. Average tenure of candidates placed leads the industry at 4.6 years.

Recent Placements

Harris Search Associates

Our Team

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Our diverse team of seasoned consultants combine experience from the most well-recognized, global retained executive search organizations with expertise from successful careers in academic administration.

Harris Search Associates

Solutions And Expertise

Modelled after the first premier management consulting firms, our practice remains solely focused on the distinctive needs of higher education. We recognize the transformative impact higher education plays in the growth of our country and understand leadership of an academic enterprise is more challenging than it has ever been, requiring an increasingly wide range of skills to balance the diverse missions of research, education, and service.

The responsibility to serve as higher education executive search counsel to the foremost institutions that educate and train the next generation of scholars, creators, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators remains an honor in every search assignment.

At the highest level, retained executive search remains a combination of both art and science. Analytics, assessment tools, the efficient use of data, and a reach that’s truly global informs our judgment; but, in the end, creation of a deep sense of partnership with mutual accountability, followed by specific, actionable recommendations, is paramount to our shared success.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss the future executive leadership needs at your institution.

Solutions
  • Executive Coaching
  • Executive Search
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Leadership Develop.
  • Mgmt. Consulting
Industries
  • Aerospace/Defense
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Government
  • Healthcare Services
Functions
  • Board/Governance
  • CEO/President/Executive Director
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Finance/Accounting
  • General Management
  • GM/Operations
  • Government
  • Human Resources
  • Information/Digital
  • Informational/Digital
  • Legal/Compliance
  • Marketing & Sales

Harris Search Associates

News Briefings

Harris Search Associates Recruits Dean at Howard University

Dublin, Ohio-based Harris Search Associates has placed Dr. Hugh Mighty as the 18th dean and vice president of clinical affairs of Howard University College of Medicine. He will also serve as professor on the faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In his new role, Dr. Mighty will oversee the College of Medicine’s academic programs and provide oversight for the

Harris Search Associates

Press Releases

Harris Search Associates has Recruited Dr. Jason Bentley as Vice President for Student Success at Morehead State University

DUBLIN, OH, August 1, 2016 — Morehead State University President Wayne D. Andrews has announced the hiring of Dr. Jason Bentley as the new vice president for student success. He will assume his new position Aug. 8. Dr. Bentley comes to MSU from Central Michigan University where he served as Office of Student Success director since January

Harris Search Associates has Recruited Dr. Rachel Croson as the Next Dean of the College of Social Sciences at Michigan State University

DUBLIN, OH, May 26, 2016 — Harris Search Associates has recruited Dr. Rachel Croson as the next Dean of the College of Social Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU).  Upon approval by the MSU Board of Trustees, her appointment will be effective August 1, 2016. Croson is the John and Judy Goolsby – Virginia and Paul Dorman Endowed Chair,

Harris Search Associates has Recruited Dr. Hugh Mighty as the Next Dean of Medicine and Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Howard University

DUBLIN, OH, May 14, 2016 — Harris Search Associates has recruited Dr. Hugh Mighty as Dean of Medicine and Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Howard University in Washington D.C. Dr. Hugh Mighty has been appointed the 18th Dean of the Howard University College of Medicine and Vice President of Clinical Affairs.  Dr. Mighty succeeds Dr. Edward

Harris Search Associates has Recruited Dr. Benjamin Barros as the Next Dean of the University of Toledo College of Law

DUBLIN, OH, July 15, 2015 — A national leader in legal education and property law will become The University of Toledo College of Law’s next dean, pending approval by UT’s Board of Trustees, University officials announced today. Benjamin Barros, associate dean of academic affairs at Widener University’s School of Law in Harrisburg, Pa., will be the college’s next

Harris Search Associates has Recruited Dr. Paul DiCorleto as the Next Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs at Kent State University

DUBLIN, OH, June 18, 2015 — Dublin, Ohio based Harris Search Associates has recruited Dr. Paul DiCorleto as the next Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs at Kent State University. Kent State University is the largest public multi-campus system in northeast Ohio, with campuses reaching nine local communities and a population of approximately 42,000 students, 3,700 full-time