Consultant Darrien Davenport has an impressive array of experiences within higher education which inform his work as an executive recruiter with WittKieffer. He holds a deep understanding of the many challenges presented to today’s college leaders, and can identify with institutions’ leadership needs through his direct experience in various administrative roles. Darrien identifies with candidates as well and excels at building relationships with dynamic leaders across academia, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Prior to joining WittKieffer, Darrien served in several key positions at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, including most recently as interim chief diversity officer, overseeing various diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, access and belonging institutional initiatives. He was also simultaneously assistant vice president of college life and assistant secretary to the board of trustees, preceded by a tenure as executive director of multicultural engagement. In all of these roles, he championed access, support, education and engagement for underrepresented, first-generation, lower socio-economic (SES) and LGBTQIA+ students.

At York College of Pennsylvania, Darrien also served in myriad critical roles – as interim dean of enrollment management, assistant dean of student affairs, and director of intercultural student life and global programming. In his time in academia, Darrien has sought out ways to give back to the campus community, whether as an administrator, teacher, committee member, researcher, speaker or workshop facilitator. He exemplifies the spirit of participation and learning that is fundamental to higher education.