The Hartford International University for Religion and Peace Taps Academic Search to Find New Leader

September 27, 2024 – Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been retained by the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace to lead in its hunt for its 12th president. Joel N. Lohr, an awarding-winning author, scholar of religion, and transformative leader in higher education, stepped down from this position in July. Leading the assignment are Sharon D. Herzberger, senior consultant; and Carly Place, associate consultant. “The board of trustees was saddened to learn of president Lohr’s announcement, and now begins one its most important responsibilities, the hiring of a new leader to be the next president of Hartford International, one who will continue to blaze paths into our promising future,” said Clare Feldman, chair of the board.
Naseem Sheikh, first vice chair of the board of trustees, a retired vice president and CFO for United Technologies and vibrant leader in the local Muslim community, will chair the search committee, which will be comprised of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and trustees. The Hartford International University community members are encouraged to participate in the search process.
The next president of Hartford International University will shepherd an institution renowned for its historic commitment to helping communities, institutions and individuals grow understanding and thrive in a multicultural and inter-religiously complex world, according to Academic Search. This leader will promote diversity in all respects among the university’s student body, staff and faculty. The president will grow and diversify revenue streams, reduce dependence upon funding from the endowment and invest in key administrative and faculty areas that will propel the University forward and prepare for a vibrant, sustainable future.
Candidates should have experience commensurate with success in Hartford International University’s leadership agenda. They must adopt a strategic and forward-thinking approach to the position and possess experience in business development. Candidates should be individuals of integrity, committed to a religious tradition while respecting all religions, and particularly familiar with the Abrahamic faiths. They should be pastoral and able to foster community among all constituencies, bringing the community into alignment with shared goals.
The Hartford International University for Religion and Peace was established in 1833 and is a private theological university in Hartford, CT. Hartford International University is centered on two academic units: the Hartford Institute for Religion Research and the Duncan Black Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, the country’s oldest center for such study, having opened in 1973.
Higher Education Specialists
For over three decades, Academic Search has been a leader in designing and implementing search processes for leaders of colleges and universities across the country. The firm has completed hundreds of executive searches for higher education institutions and related organizations, for roles ranging from presidents to provosts to deans. Academic Search has a formal relationship to a premier leadership development program. As the subsidiary of the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), the firm provides substantial financial support to a number of leadership identification, development, and support programs across all sectors of public and private higher education. The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Related: Academic Search Recruits President for Norwich University
Dr. Herzberger served as president of Whittier College for 13 years, before retiring and being named president emerita. During her prior career, at Northwestern University and Trinity College, she held positions as vice president for planning and administration, vice president for student services, associate vice president for a capital campaign, and special assistant to the president for affirmative action. As a professor of psychology her research focused on the biases in individual and group decision-making.
Ms. Place joined Academic Search in 2024. She has spent most of the past decade working in higher education. Ms. Place dedicated almost eight years to academic advising within Academic Services for Student Athletes at the University of Central Florida. In this role, she fostered strong relationships with student-athletes and guided them to discover their academic passions. Ms. Place also served as the head of the developing athletic advisors program, where she led recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives. In her time at UCF, she also managed award nominations, orientations, and events.
Past Search
Academic Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Paaige Turner as the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs for Aurora University. Maya Ranchod Kirkhope led the assignment. “Dr. Turner is an exceptional individual who embodies the enterprising, service-oriented, and creative academic leadership that defines our university,” said Susana Rivera-Mills, president of Aurora University. “Throughout her career, she has exhibited commitment and care for the intellectual growth and personal well-being of students. I am confident she will be a dynamic addition to our university community.”
Dr. Turner most recently served as dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media at Ball State University in Muncie, IA, a post she held since 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw operations and strategic planning for the college, managing more than 80 faculty members, 1,500 students, and more than 40 campus organizations.
Related: Academic Search Places New Provost for New Mexico State University
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media