TM² Executive Search Retained by Philander Smith University to Find 15th President

October 4, 2024 – TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has been selected by Philander Smith University (PSU) to identify its 15th president. Located in Little Rock, PSU is one of Arkansas’ historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “This is a great time and opportunity to lead a historic institution nearing its 150th anniversary,” said Tionna L. Jenkins, PSU board of trustees chair. “With 21 undergraduate majors across five core academic divisions and a graduate program, PSU is poised to flourish in its mission of graduating academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice and determined to change the world for the better.”
Dakota Doman, managing principal of TM², said he looks forward to working with PSU to identify the right candidate to lead the university to even greater heights. “It’s an honor and privilege to partner with the Philander Smith University campus community in their search for the institution’s 15th president,” Dr. Doman said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a leader who will be tasked with guiding PSU into the future, ensuring that it remains a beacon of opportunity and a leader in higher education for generations to come.”
PSU officials look to identify a president who embodies the values and mission of the university, with a commitment to academic excellence, social justice and community engagement. The selected president is expected to build upon the institution’s strong foundation and further its legacy of fostering intellectual growth and preparing students for global leadership.
The search will be conducted in partnership with the PSU board of trustees, including Dr. Jenkins (board chair) and the presidential search committee chaired by PSU board of trustees vice chair, Patti Freemyer Martin. Dr. Doman, along with principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Jessica Horton will lead the search efforts for TM².
The president serves as the CEO of the university with responsibility and final authority for the operations of the campus, including, but not exclusive to, policies, priorities, and all official standards and practices. In all aspects of the position, the president represents the university’s mission, public relations, ethical leadership, cultural and professional competence, and community engagement. The president sets the tone for an environment that values original and progressive thought, continuous assessment and accountability; promotes a standard of excellence in instruction, academic research, faculty growth and development; and guarantees students’ academic achievement and total welfare and well-being.
Those applying for this position should have an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree is preferred. They must have a minimum of 15 years of administrative responsibility including 10 years of successful senior-level experience highlighting the ability to plan and manage the academic and financial affairs in a college or university setting. Candidates will have demonstrated success in effective organizational/institutional fundraising through engagement with alumni, donors, or other constituent-based initiatives.
In addition, TM² notes that candidates must have a deep understanding of the university’s legacy as a Historically Black College/University and as a United Methodist-affiliated institution has richly shaped the past and will positively influence the future. The firm is looking for a servant Leader that is a role model for ethical, transparent, accountable behavior, thus setting high standards for staff, faculty, students and the community; displays strength and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Providing Exemplary Executive Talent Acquisition Consultation
TM² Executive Search specializes in providing exemplary executive talent acquisition consultation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and other organizations looking to attract highly qualified, motivated, accomplished diverse candidates at all levels of the administration. The firm focuses on filling C-suite leadership positions, including presidents, chancellors and their cabinet-level direct reports, and board directorships.
In 2016, four former black college presidents launched TM² Executive Search. The firm is the brainchild of former black college presidents John Garland (former president of Central State University); Sidney Ribeau (former president of Howard University); Wayne Watson (president emeritus of Chicago State University); and Dorothy Cowser Yancy (president emerita of Johnson C. Smith University & Shaw University).
Dr. Doman has over 15 years of executive higher education experience at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Predominantly White Institutions at various Research Carnegie Classifications. He has served as an executive administrator, academician, strategist, policy analyst, governmental relations liaison, and researcher. Dr. Doman has presented over 75 presentations across the country on various higher education topics related to HBCUs, organizational leadership and change management, talent acquisition, and student success.
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Dr. Doman has served as a consultant, chair, or search advocate for over 50 executive searches in higher education throughout his career. He has coordinated executive searches at all levels of administration including president, provost, CFO, CTO, and chief student success/enrollment officer. He has considerable search experience in governance and policy organizations for State Higher Education Executive Officer (SHEEO) agencies such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board where he completed five executive searches.
Amanda Washington Lockett recently joined TM² as principal and senior consultant. She is a dedicated scholar-practitioner with over a decade of experience in higher education and strategy development. Dr. Washington Lockett’s research and practice focus on innovations in higher education, transformative leadership and institutional sustainability. She has served as a strategic advisor to the presidents of two Minority Serving Institutions and most recently served as a Strategist for the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). In this role, she developed strategic priorities and initiatives that improved the sustainability and institutional outcomes of HBCUs.
Beyond her experience in higher education, Dr. Washington Lockett has experience from the executive search industry. She honed her skills at True Search, where she was part of the people, talent, and legal team. In this role, she played a key part in connecting exceptional talent with leading organizations. Her placements included board members, C-suite executives, vice presidents, directors, and other strategic hires for both private and public companies.
Ms. Horton is an associate principal and search consultant. She brings extensive experience in higher education, having worked in Ohio, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Florida. Her career spans roles in advancement and student affairs, where she excels in identifying overlooked perspectives and translating them into organizational strategies. During her tenure in education, Ms. Horton a leveraged her network to create learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty. Prior to TM², she recruited for boutique search firms specializing in private and public sector executive placements.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media