WittKieffer Recruits 7th President for Franklin Pierce University
July 18, 2024 – 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.”
Since becoming president of Landmark College in 2011, Dr. Eden has led a significant revitalization of the institution. His tenure has been characterized by the introduction of new degree programs and a graduate-level online certificate program, along with diversifying revenue streams, all in line with the college’s mission to serve college-capable students with learning differences.
Prior to his time at Landmark, Dr. Eden served in several key roles, including as dean of arts and sciences at Endicott College and as a tenured associate professor and chair of the science department at Marywood University. His academic career is supplemented by his research contributions, having secured funding from prominent institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Eden is also a prolific writer, having published numerous articles in the fields of science and education.
“I am genuinely honored and excited to join the Franklin Pierce University community, and my family feels the same way,” said Dr. Eden. “This opportunity is compelling, as Pierce has all the pieces for success in a challenging higher education industry, including a beautiful New England campus, academic centers with programs based in the growing allied health fields, online learning platforms, a reputation as a Division II athletics powerhouse, personalized academic pathways leading to careers, and dedicated faculty and staff.”
“Building on the hard work of others, we must increasingly engage Ravens alumni; raise significant funds to improve the campus, invest in our human capital; stay abreast of ever-changing priorities and needs of current and future undergraduate and graduate students; and find effective ways to reach and attract prospective students outside of this region,” said Dr. Eden. “At Landmark College, we are a truly close-knit community with a personalized approach to everything, including access to me and my office. Therefore, I am looking forward to a very close relationship with all members of the Pierce community, as we take risks and intentionally adapt in ways that deliver student success, however defined and measured.”
Franklin Pierce College was founded in 1962 by Frank S. DiPietro, who had a vision of a “small college that fosters intimate relationships between those who learn and those who teach.” The college was formally recognized as Franklin Pierce University in 2007, reflecting the growth of undergraduate opportunities, the addition of graduate-level degrees and the institution’s expanding national reach. The university now includes the College of Business, the College of Health and Natural Sciences (which includes the School of Nursing), the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (which includes the School of Education), and professional programs and partnerships.
Proven Recruiters
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.
Ms. Leske, senior partner, is based in Nantucket, MA. An executive recruiter since 1992 – and with WittKieffer since 1998 – Ms. Leske has supported the hiring of hundreds of administrators who are helping to shape and position their institutions for the future. During her tenure with WittKieffer, she has led a broad range of searches, including presidential, vice presidential, decanal, and provostial searches. Her areas of expertise include presidential and CEO positions; academic leadership in arts and sciences, law, engineering, education and business; finance and administration; inclusion and diversity; international leadership; and advancement and philanthropy.
WittKieffer Seeking CHRO for Texas Tech
WittKieffer was recently selected by Texas Tech University to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Ryan Crawford and Luis Bertot are leading the assignment. The school seeks an CHRO to lead the institution’s efforts to redefine human resources in higher education and elevate workplace excellence, satisfaction, and innovation. Reporting to the EVP for operations and chief financial officer, the CHRO will provide strategic leadership for the university in the planning, development, and implementation of high-quality, integrated human resources programs and services, including staff relations, benefits, employee well-being, talent management, and compensation and classification, among others. The CHRO serves as a strategic partner to the executive team, providing insight and guidance on workforce-related matters that impact the organization’s overall success.
Mr. Compher, principal and practice leader, intercollegiate athletics, is based in Chicago. As a former director of athletics, long-time administrator, and recognized expert on the sports landscape, he brings a unique insight into college athletics and the types of individuals who thrive in leadership roles. Mr. Compher leads searches for athletics directors, coaches, and senior-level administrators at a range of institutions, drawing upon more than 25 years of experience at leading colleges and universities.
With more than a decade of experience in admissions leadership within higher education, Ms. Migoya brings to her role as associate an appreciation for the nuances of academia. She leads search for vice presidents and officers, presidents, provosts, deans, and other academic leadership roles. Ms. Migoya also excels at developing relationships with leadership candidates across higher education, supporting them in their career aspirations to find roles aligned with their skills and values.
Related: Academic Sector Pumping Big Fees Into Search Firms
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
