RH Perry & Associates Recruits First VP of People, Culture and Equity at Holyoke Community College
September 12, 2024 – RH Perry & Associates has helped to recruit Marlowe Washington as the first vice president of people, culture, and equity at Holyoke Community College. Senior consultant Jessie Thompson and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer, led the assignment. “I am very excited about the hiring of Dr. Washington as our inaugural vice president for people, culture, and equity,” said George Timmons, president. “I am excited about this enthusiasm, his excitement to be part of our team, to be part of our mission and vision. Being a first-generation college graduate and understanding the population we serve is really important.”
Mr. Washington comes to Holyoke Community College following his work as the inaugural senior diversity officer at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, where he oversaw the continuation of the university’s efforts supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Francis College, a master’s degree in divinity in urban ministry and planning from the New York Theological Seminary, a doctorate in ministry from Northeastern Seminary, in transformational leadership and cultural intelligence, and a doctorate in education from St. John Fisher University in executive leadership in higher education.
In his position with Holyoke Community College, Mr. Washington serves as a strategic partner to Mr. Timmons, the HCC Cabinet, and all campus constituencies to advance culture, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He will oversee the human resources department, Title IX (federal prohibition against sex and gender discrimination), the college’s affirmative action officer and interim executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “I am here, first of all, because the president’s vision really resonated with me,” Mr. Washington said. “He said, ‘I want to save lives,’ and you don’t normally hear that from a college president. That’s not what they talk about. That was what sold me, because education is the great equalizer. It was for me in my personal life, as it was for president Timmons.”
Located in Holyoke, MA, Holyoke Community College began in 1946 as the city-sponsored Holyoke Junior College. Today, it is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) since 2016, is housed on a multi-million-dollar, 135-acre campus, equipped with state-of-the-art technology in specialized learning facilities. In fiscal year 2023, the school enrolled 4,745 credit students and 2, 056 non-credit students.
Related: RH Perry & Associates Assists New Mexico Highlands University with President Search
Established in 1974, RH Perry & Associates offers strong credentials and experience in academic executive search, having completed well over 1,000 searches in its history. Serving both two-year and four-year institutions, the firm’s higher education practice consists of senior-level executives with a well-balanced mix of college and university presidential and senior administrative experience and executive search expertise. Headquartered in Ashville, NC, RH Perry’s consultants maintain offices in Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Proven Search Consultants
Mr. Thompson, director of community college searches, has led, or participated in, a wide range of presidential and senior administrative higher education searches. His experience spans large and small, urban, suburban and rural institutions nationwide. Mr. Thompson has provided services to both single and multi-campus institutions. His experience in higher education includes a combination of more than 40 years in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Michigan of senior-level administration, community college trustee service, and college teaching experience.
Mr. Doeg joined RH Perry & Associates in 2001 and has supported more than 400 presidential and senior administrative engagements. In his seventh year as president and chief operating officer, he leads RH Perry’s team of outstanding senior consultants and associates, and is committed to supporting an equitable and inclusive search process for the firm’s clients.
Recent Search
Following a competitive nationwide search, RH Perry & Associates has placed Matthew J. Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University. The school launched a nationwide presidential search in January 2024. Four finalists, including Dr. Draud, were invited to campus to interview with the presidential search committee, which consisted of Briar Cliff faculty, staff, students, and board members. Interim president Steven Freeman, a 1969 Briar Cliff alumnus, board chair emeritus, and retired business professional, will remain at Briar Cliff University and continue to serve as a presidential advisor to Dr. Draud to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University,” said Steve Stouffer, board chair. “His extensive experience in academic leadership and his commitment to innovation make him the ideal choice to guide Briar Cliff into a promising future. We look forward to welcoming him to the Briar Cliff and Siouxland community.”
Related: RH Perry & Associates Recruits President for Onondaga Community College
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
