Miami Dade College Picks Diversified Search to Find President
May 7, 2019 – Miami Dade College has retained Diversified Search to find a new president to replace longtime leader Eduardo Padrón. The search is being led by John Mestepey, managing director of the firm’s Miami office, and senior managing director Kim Morrisson.
“The decision came as we were planning the 60th anniversary of the college, which is next year,” Mr. Padrón said. “We believe it’s the perfect time to have the next leader in place to be able to take this institution to new heights. There’s already an excellent foundation to build upon so we’re ready for that transition. I will also be assisting the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth transition for the new president.”
The president provides the overall vision and direction for the college, upholding the college’s deep and longstanding commitment to access, diversity, programmatic quality and student success, said Diversified Search.
Miami Dade College wants a visionary leader, strategic thinker and lifetime learner who inspires excellence in others and exemplifies integrity for the role, said the search firm. The school’s next president must be committed to serving the institution’s student-centered mission. He or she must also possess an entrepreneurial mind-set to capitalize on the college’s strengths and build on the college’s tradition of excellence. “The college is searching for a champion who can cultivate and support a diverse and inclusive college community built upon accessibility, affordability and transformational education,” said Diversified Search.
Prospects must have a minimum of 10 years of senior-level management experience, with at least six years in academic administration. They should also have “demonstrated leadership and innovative accomplishments in the area of academic and student service programs and/or administrative, financial, and operational areas,” said the search firm.
In addition, the right candidate is required to demonstrate a deep commitment to students, particularly those that are first-generation, low income or from traditionally underserved populations. The individual should possess the skills and acumen, as demonstrated through past experiences, to develop and execute strategies in a complex organization, including the ability to prioritize and facilitate the allocation of fiscal and human resources effectively and efficiently.
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Established in 1960, Miami Dade College has eight campuses strategically located throughout Miami-Dade County, and offers more than 300 programs and pathways in certificate, associate and baccalaureate programs. The school enrolls and graduates more minority students than any college or university in the U.S. Additionally, it grants more associate degrees than any other institution in the nation. Miami Dade College boasts the largest enrollment of any U.S. college with more than 170,000 students from 192 different countries.
Experienced Recruiters
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Diversified Search is the largest U.S. female-owned and -founded firm in the executive recruitment industry. It has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Diversified is the U.S. partner of AltoPartners, an international alliance of 58 independent executive search firms that spans 35 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
Mr. Mestepey has focused his practice on key management assignments at the board of directors, CEO, COO and CFO levels across many industries, including the restaurant, retail, consumer products, financial services, healthcare, higher education, travel and leisure, technology, and biopharmaceutical sectors, among others. Earlier, Mr. Mestepey ran the Miami office of Edward Kelley & Partners, and for 19 years was the managing director of the Miami office of A.T. Kearney Executive Search.
Dr. Morrisson works in Diversified Search’s education, non-profit, and arts and culture practice. She has more than 20 years experience conducting executive search assignments for research universities, liberal arts colleges, academic medical centers, non-profit associations, foundations, public agencies, independent secondary schools, and companies that serve the educational sector. Before joining Diversified, Dr. Morrisson served as vice provost of the University of Pennsylvania.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
