Higher Education Executive Search Firm

Committed to Education Leadership

WittKieffer understands the critical role that institutions across the global education landscape play in transforming the world around us — in shaping the minds of tomorrow, catalyzing discovery and innovation, and expanding the limits of knowledge. In an era of monumental challenges, our deep commitment to education leadership drives our commitment to our clients.

We are experts in identifying outstanding leadership for uncertain times — from presidents and the most senior administrators to leaders recruited by our Professional Search Practice, including directors, associate deans and assistant vice presidents. For us, a successful education search is about much more than filling a role — it’s about bringing transformational leadership to mission-driven institutions around the world. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence in providing a search experience distinct from any other.

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Your mission inspires our work.

As an executive search firm in higher education, WittKieffer is exclusively dedicated to serving mission-driven institutions that improve the quality of life. Our Education Practice has a singular focus: identifying leadership in education. We serve our client institutions with integrity, professionalism, responsiveness and a commitment to excellence.

We advance leadership diversity.

At WittKieffer, we believe that all organizations, including ours, are strengthened by a diversity of thought, experience and perspective. Our values drive results — in the last three years, more than half of our Education Practice placements have been women and/or people of color.

Our expertise comes from experience.

Our education search consultants conduct more leadership-level searches in education each year than any other firm. Our network, reach and credibility across the education landscape afford our clients superior access to exceptional candidates. With the majority of our consultants having served as education leaders themselves, our knowledge is our greatest strength.

We work better by working together.

Partnership is paramount in every search we do. We thrive on collaboration, tailoring our approach to each client’s needs. We provide thoughtful counsel and decision support throughout the process, and our deep due diligence mitigates risk in decision-making. As your partner in education executive search and interim leadership placement, our success depends on yours.

Success Story

Geoffrey Mearns, Ph.D. – President, Ball State University

Ball State's Mearns to Chair MAC Council of Presidents

Since arriving in Muncie, IN, in 2017 to become Ball State University’s 17^th President, Dr. Geoffrey Mearns, Ph.D., has overseen initiatives that have produced the largest freshman class in history, increased alumni engagement and fundraising, and led an innovative partnership to enhance learning in Muncie Community Schools. Recently it as announced he would act as Chair of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Council of Presidents, and serve as the MAC’s representative to the NCAA Div. I Board of Directors. Mearns was named President at Ball State following a nationwide search conducted by WittKieffer in partnership with the University.

Connect with Our Education Practice Leader

We partner with leading education institutions every day. Let us know how we can help yours. Practice Leader Zach Smith, Ph.D. can answer your questions or tell you more.

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We're Passionate about Leadership — and Experts at Finding It

Our international reach, the diversity of institutions we serve and the services we provide ensure we find the right leadership for your institution.

Professional Search

Identifying exceptional leaders for mission-critical roles.

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Interim Education Leadership

Leaders on-demand for transitions and short-term needs.

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Global Executive Search

Knowledge, networks and impact that span the globe.

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Education Leadership Resources

Selecting a Search Committee

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The DEI Question in Administrative Job Interviews

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Lawyers in the Lead

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How a Search Committee Can Be an Arbiter of Diversity

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It’s 2021: Why Are Good Leaders Seeking Greater Challenges?

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Hiring College Leaders During the Ongoing Pandemic

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Identifying Successful Leaders during Changing, Challenging Times

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Is It Crossing a Line for a Search Consultant to Counsel a Job Candidate?

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To Spark Real Innovation, Trustees and Presidents Need to Start Mixing It Up

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The “I” vs. “We” Balance: Highlighting Your Collaborative Prowess When Interviewing