Storbeck Search/Diversified Search Group Tapped to Lead Hunt for President of Hampton University
January 18, 2022 – Higher education-focused search firm Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has been enlisted to find the next president of Hampton University in Hampton, VA. The assignment is being led by Shelly Weiss Storbeck, global education practice lead and managing director; Jeffrey Alston, senior associate; and Lisa Solinsky, senior associate. The expected start date for this position is July 1. The next president will be expected to provide a clear strategic direction and vision for the university that is inspiring and compelling to all constituents while maintaining the Hampton tradition and promoting the goals, mission, and values of the institution, said Storbeck Search. The leader must also maintain and enhance a responsive organizational structure, a positive learning environment, and collaborative working relationships with the faculty, staff, and students to fulfill the university’s mission.
Providing effective leadership and oversight of responsibilities in fiscal management, in development, marketing, and public relations, and in strategic planning to fully utilize the human and physical resources of the campus is critical, said the search firm. The individual must also provide consultative direction for high-quality academic, research and service programs. He or she will also exercise overall leadership for the university’s resource development and fundraising initiatives, exploring ways to broaden revenue streams, especially through philanthropic support, to allow for expanded program research and development, among other strategic priorities.
Overseeing Growth
Hampton University’s next president must act as a visible, accessible and participative member of the campus communities; understand and address
issues that are crucial to the success and well-being of staff, faculty and students; and work effectively with the board, facilitating its continued growth and commitment to the university through best practices and responsible governance. He or she will also oversee continued growth in all aspects of enrollment management; support the continued focus on student success, both inside and outside the classroom; and lead the university community in making entrepreneurial and strategic decisions connected to budgetary priorities in a continued spirit of openness and transparency.
Hampton University seeks an organizational leader who excels at business enterprise management and the maintenance and develop of culture, possesses a high level of integrity and strategic vision, has demonstrated success in a progression of leadership experiences, and is known for outstanding fundraising and team development capabilities, said Storbeck Search.
The strongest candidates will possess: Experience setting and implementing a strategic vision; political independence and a bi-partisan approach; the ability to maintain historical culture while transforming the university to meet changing social and technological drivers to attract the next generation of students; strong personal character, intellectual honesty, and community respect; and financial skills and experience.
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Hampton University, founded in 1868, provides a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically black universities, the university offers 54 bachelor’s programs, 43 master’s programs, and 13 doctoral programs. Hampton University supports nearly 4,000 students representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations.
Higher Education Recruiting
Ms. Weiss Storbeck launched Storbeck Search in 2007 to focus on executive search in the education and non-profit sectors. Now part of The Diversified Search Group, the firm works on behalf of colleges, universities, schools, and non-profit organizations across the nation, with headquarters in Pennsylvania and local offices in every region. Storbeck Search has conducted searches for some of the country’s top colleges and universities, private schools, and non-profit institutions. Its roster of university clients includes Brown, Columbia, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Lawrenceville, Michigan State, Northwestern, Pomona, Princeton, Swarthmore, and the University of Wisconsin, among others.
Dr. Alston brings to executive search seven years of administrative and student affairs experience in higher education, assisting students in career development. His career demonstrates a commitment to recruiting talent, building relationships, fostering student career development, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Before entering executive search, Dr. Alston worked at East Tennessee State University as director of university career services.
Ms. Solinsky has extensive experience in the education and non-profit sectors and a commitment to connecting individuals with mission-driven organizations. She has successfully managed searches for independent schools, colleges, universities, and non-profits for positions including head of school, chancellor, president, provost, and CEO, as well as senior leaders focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Prior to entering executive search, Ms. Solinsky served as director of development at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, where she managed fundraising and donor stewardship programs. Previously, she served in development roles at the American Red Cross, Haverford College, and the University of Pennsylvania.
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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
