Villanova University Retains WittKieffer to Find VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
September 18, 2024 – Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been called in by Villanova University to lead in its search for a vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion (VPDEI). Leading the assignment are consultant Charlene Aguilar, senior associate Sandra Chu, and senior partner Robin Mamlet. The VP for diversity, equity and inclusion is a member of the president’s cabinet and reports directly to the president, contributing to strategic institutional discussions and planning. This executive serves as the senior diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Villanova University and will lead the office of diversity, equity and inclusion, presently staffed by nine full-time members, in addition to one full-time faculty administrator in the Dr. Terry Nance Center for Dialogue.
This executive plays a critical role in ensuring a vibrant and equitable campus experience for members of the Villanova community, collaborating with campus partners to achieve this. There are several spheres of influence for the next VPDEI, and this individual will collaborate with the university’s diverse constituents to provide leadership and strategic direction that will lead to the continued cultivation of a nurturing environment that is also welcoming, inclusive and respectful.
In a campus environment where diversity, equity and inclusion programs have experienced increasing pressure to improve, the next VPDEI will actively engage the campus to strategize on how to effectively continue to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives into future campus experiences to benefit the Villanova community, WittKieffer explains.
Villanova seeks a visionary leader, experienced administrator, and vocal champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of student-centered practice in an educational or similar environment. Those applying should possess a master’s degree and knowledge of national best practices and theory regarding organizational diversity, equity and inclusion with an additional focus on human development, training and change management. An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Candidates should have a warm and genuine leadership style, with openness and a willingness to mentor, model, connect, educate and otherwise support all people. They must have a broad understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion frameworks to listen as well as speak to and engage with race, gender, accessibility, sexual orientation, class, intersectionality and inequity issues, drawing links to the academic community.
Villanova University is a private Catholic research university in Villanova, PA. It was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842 and named after Saint Thomas of Villanova. The university is the oldest Catholic university in Pennsylvania and one of two Augustinian institutions of higher learning in the U.S.
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WittKieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools, and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device companies; colleges and universities, and not-for-profit community service and cultural organizations with senior administrative recruiting assignments. With more than 100 search professionals nationwide, its consultants recruit CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CNOs, physician executives, and other leaders.
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Based in South Bend, IN, Ms. Aguilar works in WittKieffer’s education practice. With over 30 years of experience, she conducts leadership searches for college and university presidents, chancellors, provosts, and deans, in addition to key positions in advancement, academic and student affairs, enrollment and admissions. She also has knowledge and experience on diversity and inclusion initiatives across the spectrum of independent secondary schools along with public and non-profit enterprises.
WittKieffer Recruits 7th President for Franklin Pierce University
Following a unanimous vote of the board of trustees, Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has assisted in the recruitment of Peter A. Eden as the 7th president of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH. President Kim Mooney recently retired after serving eight years. Lucy Leske, Jeff Compher, and Kim Migoya led the assignment. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Peter Eden as the next president of Franklin Pierce University,” said Steve Duprey, chair of the university’s board of trustees. “Dr. Eden’s remarkable track record of innovative leadership in higher education and his dedication to enhancing academic programs and financial stability make him uniquely qualified to lead Franklin Pierce. We are confident that under his leadership, the University will achieve new heights of success.”
Ms. Chu, based in Geneva, NY, works in WittKieffer’s education practice. She has more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, project and relationship management, and executive recruiting. Prior to joining WittKieffer, Ms. Chu was a principal with Two Tigers Consulting in Geneva. Concurrently, she was a consultant for MMS Consulting of Langhorne, PA, where she project-managed two national conferences on student health and wellness in the K-12 space. A former all-Ivy League athlete, Ms. Chu served as a collegiate rowing coach for 22 years, mentoring athletes at Princeton University, Kansas State University and Hobart and William Smith College.
Ms. Mamlet, based in Philadelphia, is a nationally renowned executive search professional and former WittKieffer managing partner. She focuses her time on working with governing boards, senior leadership teams and search committees in searches for presidents, provosts, vice presidents and deans for many of the firm’s most valued clients both in the U.S. and around the world. A national leader on access and diversity recruitment, she joined WittKieffer after 23 years in academic administration, most recently as dean of admission and financial aid at Stanford University.
Related: WittKieffer Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Brandeis University
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media