Harris Search Associates Recruits Dean for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
September 30, 2022 – Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Monica G. Ferrini as dean of the College of Science and Health (COSH) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles. “I look forward to the flourishing of COSH under Dr. Ferrini’s leadership,” said Sylvia Manning, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Ferrini was previously interim dean for COSH and an associate professor and chair of CDU’s Department of Health and Life Sciences. In addition, she is the director of the bachelor of science in biomedical sciences and the master of science in biomedical sciences at the university. She teaches anatomy and physiology for undergraduates and advanced anatomy in the master’s program. Dr. Ferrini holds an master’s degree in biochemistry and a doctorate in physiology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dr. Ferrini is a well-known researcher in neuroendocrinology and urology. Her research focused on studying the effect of drugs in counteracting erectile dysfunction due to the nerve damage in radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Dr. Ferrini has held the position as interim dean while a permanent candidate was identified. She was selected following an extensive national search that wrapped up with a presentation she made to CDU students, staff, and faculty titled “Leadership and Vision for the Future of the College of Science & Health at CDU.”
“I’m thrilled and honored to have this opportunity to lead and work with all students, faculty, and staff to advance the mission of the College of Science and Health and CDU,” said Dr. Ferrini. “We are starting a new chapter in COSH history with the commitment to growing existing programs and developing new ones to prepare a future generation of healthcare professional leaders.”
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Since its incorporation in 1966, CDU has graduated more than 600 physicians, over 1,270 physician assistants, and upwards of 1,700 other health professionals, as well as trained over 2,700 physician specialists through its sponsored residency programs. Its School of Nursing has graduated more than 1,400 nursing professionals, including more than 1,000 family nurse practitioners.
An IIC Partners Member Firm
Harris Search Associates, an IIC Partners member firm, is a leading global higher education executive search and board advisory consulting firm with 44 offices in 33 countries worldwide. The firm’s higher education executive search practice is focused on identifying and attracting leaders to support the growth of clients in the areas of research, science, engineering, academic medicine, and healthcare enterprises. Clients include leading universities, research parks, institutes, academic medical centers, and healthcare organizations driving global innovation and discovery. Founded in 1997, Harris Search Associates was modeled after the first premier management consulting firms, In addition to its Ohio headquarters, the firm has regional offices in San Francisco and Dallas.
Navigating the Insular World of Academic Recruiting
Passionate about higher education, recruiters for the academic sector face a range of challenges than those in other areas are unlikely to see, says Shawn M. Hartman, of Washington, D.C.-based Academic Search. Widespread input from across an institution’s community, lengthier searches and state sunshine laws are just some of the issues that executive recruiters working for institutions of higher learning must deftly navigate.
Founder and managing partner Jeffrey Harris leads the firm’s higher education, academic medicine, and healthcare administration practices. Prior to establishing the firm in 1997, Mr. Harris worked five years for a leading retained executive search firm where he concentrated on senior assignments on behalf of leading engineering, research, and health sciences clients. He is the global leader of the IIC Partners higher education/academic medicine practice, and from 2010 to 2013, was appointed to the board of IIC Partners as vice-chair for the Americas.
Recent clients include Michigan State University, Purdue University, Indiana University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Medical College of Wisconsin, University at Buffalo, Vanderbilt University, Oakland University, University of South Florida, University of Nebraska, Vanderbilt University, Kansas State University, University of North Dakota, University of South Dakota, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Meharry Medical College, and Oregon Health & Science University.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
