WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
October 27, 2026 – Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm.
Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in developing, articulating, and executing the University’s vision and, in collaboration with the board, establishes Park’s goals, objectives, and strategic priorities.
The president is the steward of all University assets and resources and ensures the establishment and execution of the governing policies and procedures across Park’s campuses. The president will possess the temperament, comportment, and acumen to establish and maintain constructive relationships with University constituents.
The next President will have extensive leadership experience and skills, demonstrating the ability to successfully lead complex and diverse organizations in settings that value individual and collective achievement, innovation, and accountability. They will be known for demonstrated collegiality, creativity, financial acumen, and a proven track record in academic innovation and success. The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate, an equivalent terminal degree, or proven leadership and sufficient understanding of higher education to earn the respect of the Park faculty.
Park, a four-year, private, non-profit, liberal arts institution, has helped students break barriers to education since 1875. Park currently serves over 7,421 students nationally each year through its flagship campus in Parkville, MO, its residential campus in Gilbert, AZ, campus centers serving civilian and military students across the country, and a robust online program and blended learning modalities
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. Gillette-Teran is based in Los Angeles. Before joining WittKieffer, she was a senior associate with a boutique executive search firm specializing in the not-for-profit sector. In this position, she orchestrated executive-level searches in the fields of higher education, health and human services, and arts and culture. She excelled at developing targeted recruitment strategies that resulted in robust and diverse candidate pools. Prior to this, she served as assistant director of undergraduate admission at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Rose is a distinguished and dedicated academic, scholar, and former college president who brings more than 30 years of experience within higher education to her role as principal in WittKieffer’s education practice. She intimately understands the particular challenges of academic leadership today and is able to connect with boards, hiring authorities, search committees and candidates on a personal, meaningful level. Before joining WittKieffer, Dr. Rose was senior fellow of the National Association of System Heads, helping to develop the Power of Systems, a comprehensive effort to elevate and expand U.S. public university systems.
Related: WittKieffer Helps Recruit 22nd President for Rutgers University
Ms. Seavey, an associate for WittKieffer’s education practice, is based in Miami, FL. She helps to match executive candidates with institutions at which they can truly make a difference and advance their chosen professions. Ms. Seavey excels at connecting with candidates on a personal level in order to understand their goals and match them with unique institutions. Prior to joining WittKieffer, she served as director of professional development & training for the University of Miami.
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.
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
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, consultant 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.
“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
