EQU Advisors Leading Advancement Search for Aria University
November 21, 2025 – Executive search firm EQU Advisors has been retained by Aria University to lead in its search for a vice president of advancement. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the VP plays an integral role in the Aria University’s operations, working closely with the university’s senior leadership team and the president on all fundraising matters. The VP is also responsible for developing and overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic planning of the new division of advancement.
This division will advance the university’s mission by expanding awareness and support. The vice president will foster a dynamic culture that promotes brand visibility, philanthropy, and strategic engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution; a graduate degree and/or equivalent credential is preferred. The ideal candidate will have to demonstrate expertise in fundraising at all levels especially principal gifts as well as building and developing advance operations. Experience in advising a president, board, and cabinet will provide a distinct advantage. It is important to note that Aria University embodies a start-up culture in which both imagination and entrepreneurship is celebrated and expected.
Related: Finding Senior Leaders for Higher Education Institutions
Aria University formerly called as the University of Silicon Andhra has dedicated to preserving Indian languages and culture. It started offering courses in 2017 and was accredited through WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in 2021, a big milestone in the path towards becoming a globally focused non-profit higher education institution that is committed to excellence in both modern disciplines and traditional wisdom. Aria University is the only university outside India that offers graduate programs in Indian languages and fine arts.
Serving Higher Education and Non-Profit Institutions
EQU Advisors is co-founded by Veena Abraham and Robert Luke. The firm serves higher education and non-profit institutions and leaders through executive search, management consulting, and candidate advising. Throughout our careers, they have completed approximately 200 searches across a full range of private and public institutions including liberal arts colleges, regional universities and colleges, research universities and institutes, members of the Ivy League, as well as national non-profit organizations.
EQU Advisors’ experience includes searches for presidents and chief executive officers, provosts and vice presidents, deans and other leadership positions. Eighty-two percent of the firm’s placements within the last three years identified as women; Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or from two or more races; and/or part of the LGBTQIA+ communities.
Ms. Abraham draws upon her experience as an attorney, higher education administrator, and executive search consultant. Based in Orlando, FL, she has experience in a range of searches for senior academic administrators, including presidents, provosts, and deans at distinguished educational and cultural institutions across the nation. Prior to becoming a higher education consultant, Ms. Abraham was senior director of regional engagement for the University of Miami in Florida.
Mr. Luke draws upon 20 years of higher education consulting and administrative experience supporting universities, colleges, and non-profit institutions through complex leadership transitions. Based in Providence, RI, he has a record placing vice presidents for academic affairs, finance and development as well as deans of architecture, science and engineering, social work and social policy. Additionally, Mr. Luke has completed several CEO searches for leading scientific centers, institutes and laboratories, and non-profit organizations. In addition to consulting, he is known for his administrative and operational leadership, which he developed across a variety of sectors. He came to higher education consulting in 2013 from George Washington University.
Related: Colleges and Universities Rely on Search Firms to Find Leaders in Polarizing Times
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
