Faith-Based Colleges & Universities
Higher Education Executive Search
TRUSTED BY
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
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.
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

Wheaton College Seeks Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Point Loma Nazarene University Appoints Theology School and Christian Ministry Dean

Calvin University Announces Next VP for Enrollment Strategy

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

Moving from Weariness to Winning

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

California Christian University Names 7th President

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tray Herndon
Vice President
Tray Herndon joins FaithSearch Partners with more than a decade of experience across executive search, education, and federal investigation.
Ed Fry
President
Since 1990, Ed Fry has successfully assisted faith-based organization boards and executive teams in securing mission-minded leaders.
Elaine Welcome
Senior Vice President
Elaine Welcome supports our Higher Education team through her years of leadership experience.
Courtney Fry
Senior Vice President
With executive search experience since 2007, Courtney leads FaithSearch’s research, marketing, database, training, and other special projects.
Porsche Schooley
Senior Vice President, Administrative Services
Porsche provides oversight which assists FaithSearch consultants inexecuting high-quality search services for the firm’s clients.
Laura Weaver
Vice President
Laura Weaver brings many years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition to the FaithSearch team.
Mike Tucker
Vice President
Mike has successfully partnered with some of the top leaders in Christian academia and non-profit ministry.
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.
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.
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.