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Faith-Based Colleges & Universities

Higher Education Executive Search

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Elevate Your Institution with Exceptional Leadership

Faith-based colleges and universities are distinguished by their commitment to both Christ-centered academic distinction and the holistic spiritual development of their students. We specialize in executive search for leaders uniquely qualified to advance your institution’s strategic objectives while faithfully preserving its enduring mission.

100+

Education Managed Searches

125+

Years Collective Lived Experience in Education

98%

Success Rate

“

The team at FaithSearch Partners helped our committee through a challenging presidential search with clarity, discernment, and humility. As the chair of the committee, I was grateful to have their constant support and guidance throughout the process. It was a blessing to work with FaithSearch Partners.

Amory ScottBoard Member, Point University
“

FaithSearch Partners guided Anderson University through our presidential search with valuable candidate insights and a clear understanding of our needs. Their consistent updates and expert advice helped us achieve a successful outcome.

Dr. Priscilla ArchangelBoard of Trustees, Anderson University
“

FaithSearch Partners is exactly what they claim. They partnered with us at Rochester Christian University to find our 11th president. The Board had not worked with a search firm before. A new, and what turned out to be an amazing experience. Communicating with us through the entire process, guiding step by step, making sure they knew what we needed. Campus interviews with over 40 of the Senior Leadership Team, faculty, staff and of course the entire Board of Trustees. The search began with over 1,000 prospects. The final choice, guided by much prayer, is exactly who we need. Prayerful, professional, always available, FaithSearch Partners will always be part of the fabric at Rochester Christian University.

Richard WatsonBoard Chair, Rochester Christian University
“

Partnering with Faith Search Partners — alongside Dr. Andrew Westmoreland and Dr. Jacqui Gustafson — was an outstanding experience. They combined deep insight, discernment, and a clear understanding of the unique challenges in leading a faith-based university. As chairman of the Lee University board, I valued how they blended professionalism with a genuine care for our mission and culture. Their guidance made a complex process feel clear and purposeful, and their work ultimately helped us find the right leader to guide Lee University into the future.

Wade LombardBoard Chair, Lee University
“

Jacqui Gustafson, Andy Westmoreland, and FaithSearch Partners earned our confidence and trust from the beginning with their responsiveness and overall professionalism. They kept the process moving forward in a timely manner, identifying an outstanding pool of candidates aligned with our criteria, and provided the guidance we needed to complete a successful search. We are thrilled with the outcome of this search, and it was truly a joy to work with FaithSearch Partners.

Dr. Barbara PettyBoard Chair, Northwest University
“

Ed Fry and FaithSearch kept us on track and produced a great slate of candidates for our interviews. I was impressed by how quickly the FaithSearch team adjusted to meet our changing needs and want to express my sincere gratitude for a job very well done.

David JimenezBoard Member & Presidential Search Committee Chair, Southern Adventist University
“

I am grateful for Ed Fry and FaithSearch for seamlessly navigating us through the search process. Just four months ago when we first met, I had serious doubts about identifying a candidate in such a compressed timeframe. But with God’s blessings and an astute committee guided by the professional expertise of FaithSearch Partners, we now have the best candidate who has accepted the invitation!

Ruth Liu, EdDPresidential Search Committee Member & Former Faculty, Southern Adventist University

We know higher education.

Our team is made up of experts who have served in leadership roles at colleges and universities around the country, so we understand the challenges involved with these positions. We understand the nuances between skills and experience needed for roles like President versus Provost or Dean, because we’ve been there.

We understand board dynamics, ties to denominations, financial pressures, enrollment challenges, fundraising goals, PR crises, and the importance of every stakeholder group: leadership, faculty, staff, students, alum, donors, and community partners.

We know what works and what doesn’t, and we’re here to help you find the right people for your institution.

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FaithSearch Advantage

Faith

Our faith drives us, and our mission is to find exceptional, competent leaders who fit your organization’s mission and culture.

Experience

With more than 130 years of combined experience, our team is uniquely qualified to partner with you on the search for your next leader.

Expertise

We’re not headhunters. We’re search process management experts with years of serving in your industry.

Process

Our proven process has a 98% success rate and will result in difference-making leaders for your organization.

Higher Education News & Articles

FaithSearch Launches President Search for University of Toccoa Falls

FaithSearch Launches President Search for University of Toccoa Falls

Wheaton College | FaithSearch Partners
Wheaton College Seeks Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Wheaton College Seeks Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Point Loma Nazarene University | Dr. Josh Sweeden | FaithSearch Partners
Point Loma Nazarene University Appoints Theology School and Christian Ministry Dean

Point Loma Nazarene University Appoints Theology School and Christian Ministry Dean

Calvin University Announces Next VP for Enrollment Strategy

Calvin University Announces Next VP for Enrollment Strategy

Moody Bible Institute Names Dr. Rick Melson as its 11th President

Moody Bible Institute Names Dr. Rick Melson as its 11th President

Weariness to Winning | FaithSearch Partners
Moving from Weariness to Winning

Moving from Weariness to Winning

Seattle Pacific Announces Canales as Next VP, Student Life/Dean of Students

Seattle Pacific Announces Canales as Next VP, Student Life/Dean of Students

Jessup University | Dr. Meghan Barnard | FaithSearch Partners
California Christian University Names 7th President

California Christian University Names 7th President

Campbellsville University | Alex Wuest | FaithSearch Partners
Campbellsville University Selects VP, Enrollment Management

Campbellsville University Selects VP, Enrollment Management

Our Higher Education Team

Andy Westmoreland, Ed.D.

Senior Vice President & Education Practice Leader

Andy Westmoreland leads FaithSearch Partners’ Education service line, which has been serving academic institutions for nearly 15 years. He previously served as President of Samford University and as President of Ouachita Baptist University.

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Brian Jensen

Senior Vice President, Consulting Services

Brian leads multiple service lines at FaithSearch Partners. With over 20 years serving and collaborating with Christian organizations, his prior experience includes serving as Vice President of Student Development in higher education.

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Kimberley Wiedefeld

Senior Vice President

Kimberley Wiedefeld brings a wealth of experience and expertise in higher education and non-profit marketing. She previously served as Vice President for Enrollment Strategy & Marketing at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York.

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Jacqueline Gustafson, Ed.D.

Senior Vice President

Jacqueline Gustafson joined FaithSearch Partners’ Education practice after a successful career in higher education and non-profits. She most recently served as an Academic Dean at California Baptist University.

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Bob Baker

Vice President

Bob Baker is a seasoned executive search leader with an unwavering commitment to see optimal leaders in healthy environments. His prior experience includes 13 years in academia at Azusa Pacific and California Baptist Universities.

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Tray Herndon

Vice President

Tray Herndon joins FaithSearch Partners with more than a decade of experience across executive search, education, and federal investigation.

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Ed Fry

President

Since 1990, Ed Fry has successfully assisted faith-based organization boards and executive teams in securing mission-minded leaders.

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Elaine Welcome

Senior Vice President

Elaine Welcome supports our Higher Education team through her years of leadership experience.

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Courtney Fry

Senior Vice President

With executive search experience since 2007, Courtney leads FaithSearch’s research, marketing, database, training, and other special projects.

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Porsche Schooley

Senior Vice President, Administrative Services

Porsche provides oversight which assists FaithSearch consultants inexecuting high-quality search services for the firm’s clients.

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Laura Weaver

Vice President

Laura Weaver brings many years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition to the FaithSearch team.

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Mike Tucker

Vice President

Mike has successfully partnered with some of the top leaders in Christian academia and non-profit ministry.

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Cindi Haworth

Research Manager

Cindi Haworth joined FaithSearch Partners in 2020. As Research Manager, she supports the FaithSearch Partners team with industry research and candidate sourcing.

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Kaycey Rhudy

Senior Project Manager

Kaycey Rhudy serves as a Senior Project Manager with FaithSearch Partners. She has over eighteen years of experience in executive search.

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Ashley Hopkins

Research & Marketing Associate

Ashley Hopkins joined FaithSearch Partners in 2024, and she supports searches across all service lines as a Research & Marketing Associate.

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