A top ranked higher education executive search firm, Harris Search Associates is a leading national firm in the field of higher education, research, and academic medicine Dean searches and have successfully conducted over 900 executive search assignments on behalf of the foremost research and comprehensive universities, research parks, academic medical centres, hospital systems, and organizations driving global innovation.  

Over the last 20 years, we have witnessed a significant change in the requirements and skillset of successful Deans.  Where previously focused on internal academic and administrative affairs of the college or school, today’s Dean must be actively and collaboratively engaged with peers and university executives in forging institutional strategy, able to identify and develop talent and communicate superbly. 

But perhaps the greatest expertise a successful Dean must possess (or quickly acquire), is serving as the external representative of the school, capable of managing complex campus relationships, as well as the public, private, and philanthropic community to attract and secure resources that sustain continued research, discovery and academic excellence.  In our opinion, the recruitment of a new Dean who is an outstanding leader, superb communicator, passionate advocate, capable fundraiser, and dynamic external ambassador will be critical to ensuring the continued success of the College.