Michele Perkins joined AGB Search in 2023. Dr. Perkins served 21 years at New England College, as Senior Vice President, President, and as Chancellor.
During Dr. Perkins’ tenure, NEC quintupled its enrollment to 5,000 students in multiple program delivery models, successfully completed a merger with the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester, now the Institute of Art and Design at New England College, enjoyed successful financial stewardship, characterized by balanced budgets, routine surpluses, management efficiencies, and an endowment that grew sixfold to $32 million. Dr. Perkins also led the founding of NEC’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies and led the creation of the College’s first nursing program (RN/BSN), an innovative three-year program.
Prior to serving NEC, Dr. Perkins held positions in admissions and enrollment management at White Pines College, New York Law School, Trinity College, and Emerson College. As an independent consultant, she has worked with colleges and universities across the country on a wide range of projects focused on admission marketing strategies, enrollment management, and long-range planning. She was a co-founder of the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP). Early in her career she taught speech and theatre at Curry College and Emerson College.
Dr. Perkins served on several boards and advisory groups in higher education while president. She was Chair of the New Hampshire College and University Council, Chair of New Hampshire Campus Compact, and Chair of the New Hampshire Higher Education Commission. She served on the Board of Directors of the New England Council, Project Pericles, and remains a longstanding board member of the New England Board of Higher Education. Dr. Perkins is a former board member and executive committee member of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). She is a past member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
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