With 40 years of leadership and recruiting experience, Dennis Barden is one of the most respected and accomplished consultants in the field of higher education executive search. Dennis has played a central role in some 400 searches across higher education as well as in the nonprofit sector and in healthcare philanthropy.

A former managing partner of WittKieffer’s Education Practice, Dennis supports boards and search committees in searches for presidents and chancellors as well as institutional leaders in the recruitment of leadership at the vice presidential and decanal levels.

Deeply immersed in the marketplace dynamics impacting colleges and universities, Dennis’ reputation as a “truth teller” derives from his direct style and his strategic orientation. Before joining WittKieffer in 1998, he spent 20 years in increasingly responsible leadership roles at his alma mater, St. Lawrence University, as well as with Northwestern and Georgetown Universities and the University of Chicago. He brings to his clients broad and deep experience regarding both institutions and candidates.

Dennis is a recognized thought leader in higher education search and contributes regularly to such publications as The Chronicle of Higher Education and CASE Currents. He is also a popular speaker and panelist on the topic of leadership in higher education and has been recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education with its Steuben Apple Award for excellence in the organization’s international educational programs. He works from offices in Chicago and Sarasota, Florida.