Greenwood Asher & Associates Tapped by the University of Arkansas System to Find New President
October 3, 2024 – The University of Arkansas System recently retained Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Julie Holley and Marion Frenche are leading the assignment for the search firm. The president reports to the board of trustees of the University of Arkansas and serves as the chief executive officer of Arkansas’s largest system of higher education. Headquartered in Little Rock, the board expects the next president to build upon the system’s strong foundation of excellence while articulating a clear and compelling vision for the future. The individual selected will know how to manage a large and complex organization and understand the appropriate role of a major public university system in an ever-changing world, according to Greenwood Asher.
The president is the leader of the UA System and is appointed by and responsible to the board for the management of the officers and execution of the policies of the UA System and its campuses, division and units of administration. As chief executive, the president is the official administrative spokesperson for the system and is responsible for serving as liaison to the Arkansas General Assembly, the governor, state offices and governmental bodies and the federal government. The president is responsible for making recommendations to the board for securing the necessary personnel and the fiscal resources required for the operation of the system and making recommendations regarding policies, budgets and regulations applicable to the system and its campuses.
Greenwood Asher notes that candidates must possess consummate leadership abilities, financial skills and strategic vision to provide future direction to a complex, multi-faceted statewide university system serving the diverse population of Arkansas. Candidates should understand and support the mission in its roles of education, research and community service. Those applying should have a PhD or other terminal degree is preferred. Candidates without a terminal degree must have credentials and/or experience sufficient to warrant respect and confidence of the broad constituencies of the UA System. Previous experience in a substantial leadership role in a large and complex organization is preferred as well as a strong understanding of financial management principles that ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible. A demonstrated financial acumen that understands the broader impact of decisions on the fiscal health of the entire organization is also a must.
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With 20 campuses, divisions and units, and a budget of more than $4 billion, the University of Arkansas System is the largest higher education system in the state. It comprises six campuses; a medical school; two law schools; a graduate school focused on public service a historically black college, statewide research, service, and educational units for agriculture, criminal justice, archeology; and several community colleges. Over 50,000 students are enrolled in over 188 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Diverse Consulting Team
Greenwood Asher & Associates is an executive search firm with a diverse consulting team and extensive experience in executive search, consulting, and training for education markets including elementary, secondary, higher education, university systems, campuses and non-profit organizations including associations, service, and cultural institutions. The firm was acquired in 2020 by Kelly Education, a global leader in workforce management solutions offering staffing services to top companies.
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits President for Milwaukee Area Technical College
Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Anthony Cruz as the new president of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Tracey Weldon, Jim Johnsen, and Itza Walters led the assignment. The board made its selection during a special meeting following an expert-led national search. The process included a rigorous review of applications, two rounds of interviews, on-campus presentations, and consideration of supporting materials. More than 150 students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners participated in person and virtually in sessions with each candidate. Board chairperson Mark F. Foley thanked all those who contributed for their participation, which helped shape this process from the beginning. Current president Dr. Vicki J. Martin announced her retirement in September 2023 after 35 years with the college, including a 10-year tenure as president. She will continue to remain fully engaged throughout the 2023-24 academic year. Her retirement will be effective June 30, 2024.
As associate vice president of executive search, Ms. Holley has been an integral member of the Greenwood Asher & Associates team. She has completed hundreds of searches for the firm, putting a particular emphasis on identifying and recruiting leaders for presidential searches. In her work as a search consultant and practice leader, she has conducted searches in the full range of higher education organizations, but particularly focuses on searches at AAU and high extensive research and doctoral institutions. Ms. Holley has a track record of recruiting leaders into positions at the cabinet level, including presidents, provosts, and deans. She also specializes in searches for positions relating to her legal background, including law dean and general counsel positions and other legal-related positions in higher education.
Ms. Frenche is associate vice president of executive search and practice leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has worked in executive search since 1998 and has managed searches with three international executive search firms. She has completed over 500 searches for executives in higher education, K-12, healthcare, academic medicine, and information technology. These positions have been in public and private higher education institutions and system offices, K-12 schools and systems, academic health and healthcare organizations, and non-profits. Ms. Frenche also has considerable search experience serving mission-driven organizations such as associations and foundations and in higher education board development.
Related: The High Demand for Higher Education Leaders Continues
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
