WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
June 18, 2026 – Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, senior associate Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman.
Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed to the school’s social justice mission and who has the imagination and energy to build on the University’s current trajectory, leading it boldly and creatively into the future. The president will work closely with the board and the University community to provide leadership aligned with the University’s mission and commitment to shared governance and student success; expand and optimize academic programs and student support services; grow and diversify the University’s revenue streams; engage with the University community, the City of Chicago, the Village of Schaumburg, the State of Illinois and beyond; and advance the University brand.
It is essential that the next president demonstrate significant experience at the senior level of an educational institution or organization of substantial complexity, along with proven values-driven leadership, fiscal acumen and managerial success. The ideal candidate will have experience working with populations similar to those that the University serves, be an effective fundraiser and public ambassador and demonstrate integrity, transparency, accountability, emotional intelligence and ethical judgment in words and actions. A terminal degree (including, but not limited to, a PhD, JD or EdD) is required.
Roosevelt University is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1945 by faculty, students and staff dedicated to fundamental access to education, excellence in teaching and social justice issues. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, performing arts, health sciences, public policy, and the liberal arts
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. Pendleton, who works out of WittKieffer’s Oak Brook office, joined the firm in 2014. She works to identify presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and chief diversity officers on behalf of public and private universities and colleges and other senior leaders in non-profit organizations. She is a member of the firm’s diversity council and director of its community fund.
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.
Related: WittKieffer Helps Recruit 22nd President for Rutgers University
Working in WittKieffer’s education practice and based in Washington, D.C., Dr. Holt-Brockenbrough brings to her role a wealth of higher education administrative experience in the areas of advancement, development and corporate relations, and research development. Most recently, she was senior director for corporate and foundation relations in the Chautauqua Institution’s Office of Advancement.
Dr. Crossman serves as a senior advisor within WittKieffer’s leadership advisory solution, counseling college presidents, senior administrators, and trustees based on experience gathered over decades as a prominent educator, psychologist, and social justice advocate. Before stepping down as president of Adler University in 2024, he was among the longest-serving university presidents in higher education, having assumed the post in 2003.
University of Tulsa Search
WittKieffer recently placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility.
“Stacy Leeds represents the absolute best of our history and our future,” said Marcia MacLeod, chair of UTulsa’s board of trustees. “She returns to her alma mater as a trailblazer, but equally as a grounded, experienced leader who will steward this university with exceptional care. The board has absolute confidence in her ability to conscientiously guide our institution while accelerating our momentum.”
“I’d like to welcome alumna Stacy Leeds back to campus and to the office of the president,” said Rick Dickson, interim president of UTulsa. “Today marks several important milestones for the university: A fellow native Oklahoman, Stacy is the third UTulsa graduate and the first woman to assume the role of permanent president. Her personal warmth and breadth of experience in higher education are great assets and will serve the university community well. My wife, Brenda, and I wish her every success. Congratulations, Stacy!”
Related: WittKieffer Assists Loyola Marymount University in Finding New President
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
