Higher Education Executive Search

Find Transformative Leaders Who Advance Your Institution's Mission

In higher education, strong leadership is essential to achieving institutional goals, from net tuition revenue to driving operational excellence.

Blue Rock Human Capital specializes in recruiting transformative, diverse talent for your institution across six key areas: Academics, Advancement, Athletics, Business/Technology, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs. Whatever your goals, we connect you with innovative leaders who turn your institution’s ambitions into reality.

Why You'll Love Working with Blue Rock Human Capital

Expertise Across Higher Education Leadership

With over 70 years of combined experience, we understand the unique needs of higher education institutions. From the C-suite to director-level positions, we specialize in finding leaders who align with your vision and bring a lasting impact.

Alignment with Institutional Goals

Our tailored approach ensures every candidate has the skills and experience required and fits your institution's cultural and strategic needs. We focus on finding leaders who will thrive in your environment and help you meet critical goals like enrollment growth, donor engagement, and student retention.

Speed and Pecision

Higher education moves at its own pace, but your leadership needs can’t wait. Our proven search process quickly identifies and secures top talent while maintaining an uncompromising focus on quality and fit.

Breadth of Leadership Roles and Expertise

We recruit for leadership positions across key institutional sectors and maintain strong connections throughout higher education, spanning both public and private institutions.

Meet Dr. Jacquelyn D. Elliott

Higher Education Practice Leader

As a Higher Education subject matter expert in Strategic Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, Institutional Advancement, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs, Jacqui is deeply connected with the higher education community and provides valuable insight into aligning institutional needs for specialized talent with candidates’ aspirations to drive meaningful impact and achieve success.

Jacqui has collaborated with over 200 schools globally in a consulting capacity, coaching countless cabinet-level executives on strategy, job placement, and achieving goals in enrollment, net tuition, and fundraising.

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Meet Dr. Travis Feezell

Managing Director, Athletics Search

Dr. Travis Feezell is a seasoned higher education leader with extensive experience across academics, enrollment, student life, and athletics. He most recently served as Provost at Belmont Abbey College and previously as President of Hastings College, where he led the Hastings 2.0 transformation initiative. Earlier, he was Provost at the University of the Ozarks and held leadership and faculty roles at several institutions.

Travis also brings a strong background in intercollegiate athletics, having served as Athletics Director at Whitman College, Macalester College, and Belmont Abbey College. A national finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, he has published widely on the role of athletics in higher education and holds a doctorate from the University of Idaho, a master’s from the University of Wales–Cardiff, and a bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming.

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Key Roles We Fill

We specialize in recruiting for full-time and interim leadership roles across all levels of higher education, including:

C-SUITE

Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost
Vice President of Athletics
Vice President Diversity Officer/Director of Title IX
Vice President of Enrollment Management/Admission
Vice President of Finance
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Vice President of Student Affairs

LEADERSHIP

Academic Deans
Athletics Director
AVPs in all Five Sectors
Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Information Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief of Staff
Chief Technology Officer
Dean of Retention
Dean of Students / Dean of Staff
Senior Athletic Administrators

DIRECTOR/OFFICERS

Areas of Expertise

Our team brings unparalleled expertise across six key sectors of higher education, ensuring we can address your institution’s specific needs:

Academics

Academic Deans, Provosts, Institutional Research

Advancement

Major Gifts, Annual Fund, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations

Athletics

Director of Athletics, Senior Athletic Administrators, Compliance & Governance, Revenue & Program Development

Business/Operations

CHRO, CTO, CFO, Facilities Management

Enrollment Management

Admission, Retention, Recruitment, Financial Aid, Registration

Student Affairs

Student Life, Dean of Students, Retention Programs

Real Success Stories

"From onboarding to the candidate placement, we could not have had a better search partner. We initially tried to fill the position on our own, but we were unsuccessful in finding the national talent needed to grow our graduate programs. Blue Rock Search was an excellent partner from start to finish, identifying candidates we never imagined were out there. Jacqui was organized, timely, and informative at every turn, and she took great care to understand our needs and our culture. When I was asked what could have been better, I honestly couldn’t think of a single thing."

"Throughout the entire process, we got so many extras along the way to include training for our Search Committee on hot topics, help in setting up our interview rubric, and fast and timely communication. Our candidates consistently mentioned that the recruiter worked with an advocacy mentality, and for the first time in their search process, they were not driving the process by asking where they were in the process and what was going on with the timeline."

"Jacqui was a fantastic 'candidate advocate'. She provided constant updates on the position and subsequent communications throughout the process. Her 'day of' coaching tactics gave me the inspiration and confidence to face a day long interview process. Her 'go get' 'em tiger' rang in my thoughts the entire day!!! Despite the outcome (position closed), I felt prepped for the process. I highly recommend Blue Rock Search for matching higher education institutions with 'right fit' candidates."

"I wish that all job search experiences were like this one. From the initial submission through the final interview, I felt that I was being supported and given the best possible chance for success. Blue Rock managed all aspects of the logistics for the on-site interview with care and aplomb. Thoughtful and caring about all the parties involved."

"This was by far the best experience I have had with recruiters. Kevin and Jacqui were supportive throughout the process. They truly wish for the best fit between the candidate and the client. I would enthusiastically and without hesitation recommend them to any of my colleagues."

The Blue Rock team is exceptional. Prior to submitting my application for the Director of Admission position at Linfield University, I was unsure of my candidacy. I navigated negative internal thoughts about my lack of leadership experience and feeling inadequate. Kevin and Jacqui quickly eased my concerns and supported me through the entire process. They both are wonderful to work with and I am so thankful for the role they have played in my professional trajectory. If I am ever in a position to lead an executive search, they will be the first call I make.

What's In It for You?

Strategic Alignment

Find leaders who understand higher education's unique challenges and align with your institution's mission, culture, and strategic priorities.

Transformation Results

Secure talent who drive measurable outcomes — from enrollment growth and net tuition revenue to donor engagement and student retention.

Exclusive Talent Pool

Gain access to high-impact candidates you won't find elsewhere, along with the market intelligence you need to make the right hire.

Seamless Process

From search to placement, we handle every detail — search committee training, interview rubrics, timely communication — so your team can focus on what matters most.

Exceptional Experience

We focus on confidentiality, tailored support, and efficiency to provide a seamless experience for both your institution and the transformative leaders we place.

DON'T WAIT

YOUR IDEAL CANDIDATE IS OUT THERE

The leaders who will advance your institution’s mission and deliver results are closer than you think. Let Blue Rock Human Capital connect you with the transformative talent you need to thrive in today’s competitive higher education environment.

Still have questions? Check out our FAQs and learn more about our replacement guarantee—because finding the right leader shouldn’t be a risk.