Higher Education
Our Experience
Isaacson, Miller is a trusted name in recruiting the finest talent to institutions in higher education. With more than half our work devoted to university and college leadership, we believe we have the nation’s largest and most diverse practice in higher education, spanning both academic administration and functional leadership positions.
Our Clients
Across thousands of searches, Isaacson, Miller has served nearly every sector of the academy, including the most distinguished public and private research universities and selective liberal arts colleges at the presidential level and critical roles throughout these institutions. The depth of Isaacson, Miller’s higher education practice is reflected in its reach into two- and four-year colleges and universities of all classifications and sizes, urban and rural. The firm is a trusted partner to many of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority serving institutions, women’s colleges, and faith-based institutions around the country.
Our Understanding
At this critical inflection point in higher education, Isaacson, Miller has a deep understanding of the increasing complexity of these positions and a profound knowledge of leadership qualities most desired by search committees. The list of challenges facing leaders is daunting: diminishing trust in higher education institutions; challenges to academic freedom and civil discourse; increasing urgency to address social and racial injustice; pressure to reduce barriers to education and ease financial stress on families; a sharper focus on student success, outcomes, value, and disparities; fundamental shifts in the economy; technological innovation; and a need to strengthen the humanities. Isaacson, Miller helps to identify the next generation of leaders that will rise to meet this moment.
Our Track Record
We have unparalleled commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education; in 2021, 55% of our placements identified as women and 47% were people of color. 80% of our searches are for repeat clients; an increasing number are international.
For 40 years, IM has developed and tested our understanding of the characteristics that define strong, visionary, inclusive, and effective leaders required to guide our higher education partners into the future.
Evidence of Impact
Women Placements
In 2021, 55% of our practice's placements identified as women.
POC Placements
In 2021, 47% of our practice's placements were people of color.
Return Rate
80% of our searches are for clients who return to us after being pleased with past results.
Of Firm Searches
In 2021, 73% of our searches were in higher education.
Outstanding Leaders
Our Latest Results
How to Think Differently
Insights

A Magical Thing
IM partner Keight Tucker Kennedy sits down with John Dozier, Institute Community and Equity Officer, and Tracie Jones, Assistant Dean for DEI at MIT.

Demanding Times for System Heads
The Chronicle of Higher Education article, Demanding Times for System Heads, by Lee Gardner, featured commentary from Isaacson, Miller Founder and Chair of the Board, John Isaacson on the challenging nature of the current landscape for public university system heads.

With a Large Number of College Presidents Stepping Down, Vacancies May Open Door for More Diverse Leaders
The Boston Globe article, With a large number of college presidents stepping down, vacancies may open door for more diverse leaders, by Kate Selig, featured commentary from Isaacson, Miller Partner Keight Tucker Kennedy.
Lead the Future
Open Searches
Director, Artificial Intelligence Division
Higher Education
University of Southern California, Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering, Information Sciences Institute
Executive Director of Development, School of Biological Sciences
Advancement + Fundraising | Higher Education
University of California, Irvine
Executive Director of Business Operations and General Manager
Higher Education
Georgia Tech Research Corporation and Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation
Director
Healthcare, Academic Medicine + Health Sciences | Higher Education
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Center for Genetic Diseases