Executive Search Consultant

Dr. Tamara Jhashi joined AGB Search in 2022 after having served as a senior academic affairs leader for nearly twenty years in various capacities at both public and private institutions. Her leadership roles include Provost and Senior Vice President, Dean, Associate Provost, and Acting Dean. Throughout her leadership roles, Dr. Jhashi was involved in a number of searches as both hiring manager and committee member for Cabinet level positions, vice presidents, associate provosts, deans, and directors.

Representative Executive Searches

• Cleveland State University - Chair, Department of Computer Science
• Cottey College - Vice President for Academic Affairs
• University of Wisconsin-Madison - Director of Communications; Associate Vice President, Strategic Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Stockton University - Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Experience and Honors

Most recently Dr. Jhashi served as Provost and Senior Vice President at New Jersey City University, an urban HSI/MSI institution serving a highly diverse community. At NJCU she was engaged in multiple initiatives, including a strategic planning process, enhancing shared governance, building student success through an equity lens, academic rightsizing, and refining standards of academic excellence. In addition to the academic schools and library, she oversaw global education, sponsored grants and research, and was responsible for launching a reimagined Career Office and Center for Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Jhashi also served as Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Mercy College, a private HSI/MSI institution with multiple campuses in the New York City area. As Dean, she a number of faculty and implemented student success initiatives. Prior to that, Dr. Jhashi served Oakland University (MI) for eighteen years in the roles of Faculty, Associate Provost, and Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Jhashi has engaged in myriad leadership development opportunities, including the Harvard Management Development Program, the American Academic Leadership Institute, and was selected for the American Council of Education Fellows program in 2013-2014. Her ACE Fellowship was completed at Mount Holyoke College. She has also participated in several provost-directed programs through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, including the Student Success Institute and program on Strengthening Democracy.

Education

• Ph.D. in Art History with focus on European modernism and specialization in early twentieth century Russian art from Indiana University

David Beacham joined AGB Search in 2022. For over four decades, Mr. Beacham was a key member of the administration of Wofford College (SC). He began his career at the college after completing his bachelor’s degree there in 1977. Following his work on the admission and advancement staffs, he served as chief advancement officer for twelve years and oversaw an unprecedented $90 million campaign. 

For twenty years under three successive presidents, Mr. Beacham was secretary to the Wofford College Board of Trustees, in addition to his role as senior vice president for administration, and was the main liaison between the college and the 2012-13 Presidential Search Committee. He also staffed searches for provost, chaplain, and several vice presidencies, including marketing/ communications and advancement. Additionally, he was the primary link for the college’s relationship with the United Methodist Church.

Mr. Beacham is deeply committed to civic and church activity. He has served on the boards of Partners for Active Living (chair), the Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross (chair), St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and the Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, and is president-elect of the Board of Governors of The Piedmont Club.

Of signal importance to him is church leadership, having served as elder and deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. He has chaired numerous church committees, campaigns and projects, including chair of the senior pastor nominating (search) committee. 

David Beacham was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s most significant civilian award, during his final meeting with the Wofford College Board of Trustees in May 2022.

Phoebe Stevenson, Ed.D., joined AGB Search in 2022.  She brings over 30 years of experience in higher education administration at scholarly professional associations and private universities. Dr. Stevenson’s search expertise includes Dean positions at public and R2 institutions. 

Representative Executive Searches

• Loyola Marymount University - Dean, Loyola Law School
• Texas State University - Dean, College of Science & Engineering

Experience and Honors

Dr. Stevenson served as Deputy Executive Officer at the American Sociological Association and Deputy Executive Director at the American Educational Research Association.  She was Associate Dean and Chief Operating Officer at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University and, most recently, Senior Associate Dean and Chief Business Officer at Emory University School of Law. In addition to a long career serving as chief financial and operating officers, Dr. Stevenson has extensive experience in organizational transformation; strategic planning and implementation; change management; cross-functional collaboration between academic and administrative units; enrollment management; international partnership and recruitment; program development; and online education.

Dr. Stevenson has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Wilson College for nine years.  She is currently a trustee of the United Board for Christian Education in Asia.  Dr. Stevenson has extensive experience in leadership search processes: as the hiring officer, serving on and chairing search committees, and participating in presidential and other cabinet member searches.

Education

• B.A. degree in in Sociology/Anthropology and B.M. degree in Organ Performance from Oberlin College 
• M.A. in Anthropology from Columbia University 
• M.B.A. in Finance and International Business from the American University
• Doctorate in Education (Higher Education Management) from the University of Pennsylvania

Jerome A. (“Jerry”) Gilbert, Ph.D. joined AGB Search in 2022. Dr. Gilbert is a biomedical engineer with experience as an administrator, a faculty member, and a funded researcher. His fervent commitment to excellence combined with significant experience in higher education policy, strategy, and governance, has been devoted to increasing diversity and universal access to education.

Representative Executive Searches

• Baylor University - Assistant Vice President of Research Technology
• Indiana University Bloomington - Chair, Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health
• Texas State University - Dean, College of Science & Engineering
• West Liberty University - President

Experience and Honors

As president of Marshall University for six years, he expanded academic offerings, increased student success, completed a successful capital campaign, and more than doubled research expenditures. Prior to his presidency, Dr. Gilbert served at North Carolina State University, UNC Chapel Hill and Mississippi State University (MSU).  Over 27 years at MSU, he held progressively higher positions before his final appointment as Provost and Executive Vice President from 2009 to 2015.  He established the MSU biomedical engineering graduate program and received funding from NIH, NSF, and other public and private sources.

In 2007, Dr. Gilbert was inducted as a Fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and as a Fellow in the Institute of Biological Engineering in 2008.  

Education

• B.S. degree in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University
• Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University 

Julie Staggs, EMBA, EdD, joined AGB Search in 2021. She brings extensive experience in the field of higher education spanning more than 30 years. Dr. Staggs search expertise includes CFO/VPFA, Finance/Auditing, Business Officers positions in private and (mostly) nonsecular public institutions and master’s programs Universities.  Additionally, she is an accredited executive coach and serves within the AGB Search coaching services.

Representative Executive Searches

• Baylor University - Multiple Business Officers
• Clemson University Foundation - Chief Financial Officer
• The College of New Jersey - Treasurer and Vice President 
• University of Alaska System - Chief Financial Officer
• Wayne State University - Sr. Associate Vice President, Finance and Deputy CFO

Representative Executive Coaching Client Organizations

• Bellarmine University
• Community College of Philadelphia
• Council of Social Work Education
• Deloitte
• EY
• Geisinger School of Medicine and Health System
• Georgia State University
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Northwestern University
• Oklahoma Panhandle State University
• Portland State University
• Seattle Pacific University
• University of California-Berkeley
• University of Georgia
• University of Pittsburgh

Experience and Honors

Before joining AGB Search, Dr. Staggs served in various roles in higher education including the areas of admissions, marketing, teaching, and as a Board of Trustees member. In addition to her work as an executive search consultant and as an executive coach and consultant at AGB Consulting, Dr. Staggs also served as a Higher Education SME at Korn Ferry Advisory Consulting where she has provided strategic consulting services to top universities, as well as to Fortune 500 companies and provided executive coaching to all levels and practices at Deloitte.

Dr. Staggs’ previous work at CEB (Corporate Executive Board) focused on innovation and strategic partnering in addition to teaching in the Corporate Leadership Council’s (CLC) Leadership Academies. As a Vice President at Pearson Education, she focused on partnering with higher education systems and institutions in the design, building, and delivery of distance learning to students.

Dr. Staggs served on the Board of Trustees of Converse College and chaired the Enrollment and Programs Committee. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and is Chair of the Board of Directors of Global Health Action. Inc, an international NGO supporting community health programs in more than 90 countries.

Education

• B.A. degree from Converse College 
• M.B.A. degree from the University of Georgia
• Graduate certificate in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University 
• Ed.D. in higher education management and leadership from the University of Georgia’s Institute for Higher Education
• ACC from the International Coaching Federation

Jeanne Foster Jacobs joined AGB Search in 2021. As a proven leader in higher education, she brings over 35 years of executive experience that advanced strategic direction, innovation, and institutional performance in community and state colleges. Dr. Jacobs searches expertise includes President/Chancellor, Provost/VPAA positions for public and private higher education institutions. 

Representative Executive Searches

• Cuyahoga Community College - President
• Foothill-DeAnza Community College District - Chancellor
• Howard Community College - President
• Missouri Valley College - President
• Northeastern Illinois University - President
• Northampton Community College - President
• Waubonsee Community College - President

Experience and Honors

Previously, Dr. Jacobs served fifteen years as President and CEO of Miami Dade College’s Homestead campus. During her tenure at MDC, Jeanne led many college-wide initiatives that resulted in the complete transformation of the campus, from its physical size to significantly increased student enrollment and engagement. Prior to MDC, Dr. Jacobs held the position of Vice President of Instruction at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Jacobs is a nationally recognized higher education leader, winning numerous awards including: City of Homestead Community Award in Education (2020); Top Black Educator, Legacy Magazine (2017); Citizen of the Year Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (2016); ICABA Distinguished Achiever (2015); Educational Leadership Honor, Legacy Magazine (2013); Tribute to Women’s History Month (March 2012) and Honoring Jeanne Jacobs (March 2010), United States Congressional Record; Outstanding Leadership in Education, Lumina (2011); Outstanding Woman in Education & Research, In the Company of Women Awards (2010); Proclamation of Jeanne F. Jacobs Day, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and County Commissioners (2011, 2008); Top 25 Most Influential Black Women in South Florida (2007); and Top 10 African-American Women in Dayton, Ohio (2004).

Dr. Jacobs has contributed to the boards of both local and national organizations including the Community College Advisory Panel of The College Board; the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges; the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education, Office of Women in Higher Education; and the Board of Directors of Homestead Hospital-Baptist Health South Florida.

Education

• B.A. degree in English from Fisk University 
• M.Ed. degree from Alabama A&M University 
• Ph.D. degree in Administration of Higher Education from the University of Alabama

Phillip L. Clay  joined AGB Search in 2020. He is the former Chancellor of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2001 - 2011) and Professor of City Planning.  As Chancellor he had responsibility for graduate and undergraduate education at MIT, student life, student services, international initiatives, and the management of certain of MIT’s large-scale industrial and international partnerships. A member of the MIT faculty since 1975, Professor Clay served as Associate Provost from 1994 to 2001 and was the Head of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning from 1992 to 1994.   

Professor Clay is widely known for his work in U.S. housing policy and community-based development and is a founding member of the National Housing Trust.  He was also Chair of the Board of The Community Builders, Inc., one of the nation’s largest nonprofit developers of affordable housing.  In recent years, Professor Clay has served as a senior advisor on projects in several areas that include: public housing and community capacity-building.  From 2002 to 2006, he served as Chairman of the Board of Roxbury Community College and was a founding board member and Vice Chair of the MasterCard Foundation 2006-15.  He was a member of the Kresge Foundation board and Chair of the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.  

Education

• AB degree with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
• Ph.D. degree in City Planning from MIT
• Awarded honorary degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Andrew Bowen joined AGB Search in August 2020 bringing with him a variety of experience in higher education. Mr. Bowen has experience supporting an array of public and private universities, with particular emphasis on President, Provost, CFO, Audit/Compliance, Development, Student Affairs and Communications/Marketing searches. 

Representative Executive Searches

• California State University, Sacramento - President 
• San Jose State University - President 
• Elon University - Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Colorado State University - Vice President for University Operations and Chief Financial Officer
• Yale University - Executive Director, Internal Audit
• Washington University in St. Louis - Executive Director of Compliance and Audit
• Johns Hopkins University - Chief Development Officer, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
• University of Colorado System - Executive Director of Gift Planning and Gift Administration 
• The University of Vermont - Vice President of Marketing and Chief Communications Officer
• Cornell University - Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Experience and Honors

Prior to AGB Search, Mr. Bowen spent several years as an Associate at another prominent executive search firm supporting the recruitment of senior-level leaders for more than 30 leading public and private universities and colleges such as Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Temple University, and the University of Vermont.

Prior to becoming an Associate, Mr. Bowen began his career as an administrator at the University of Maryland where he supported a variety of student services and programs in the Stamp Student Union. He later went on to work in the Provost’s Office at American University in Washington, DC where he was responsible for developing and implementing a new course review system for the faculty senate and the new AU Core Curriculum.

Education

• B.A. degree in History and Political Science from the University of Vermont
• M.A. degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Maryland

Larry Ladd joined AGB Search in 2020, bringing experience as an executive and trustee for multiple colleges and universities. He has also served as a consultant on strategy, governance, and finance to over 100 colleges and universities, large and small, public and private. He has served as a trustee to four institutions of higher education as well as other complex not-for profit organizations.  Mr. Ladd has a deep understanding of the current marketplace through the completion of more than thirty executive searches.  

Representative Executive Searches

• Association of Governing Boards of Universities & Colleges – Executive Vice President
• Clemson University Foundation - Chief Financial Officer
• Hamline University - Vice President for Finance and Administration
• National Association for College Admissions Counselors - Chief Financial Officer
• Ohio University – President
• Saint Leo University - President
• University of Dubuque - President
• University of Houston Downtown - Vice President for Finance and Administration
• University of Nebraska Medical Center - Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance
• Wayne State University - Sr. Associate Vice President, Finance and Deputy CFO
• Wilkes University – Vice President for Finance & Chief Operating Officer

Experience and Honors

Mr. Ladd’s prior executive experience includes serving as director of budget and financial planning at Harvard University, chief operating and financial officer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, dean of administration and chief financial officer of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences at Tufts University, dean of the college of special studies at Tufts University, assistant provost for budget & administration at Boston University, and assistant to the president of Duke University. 

Mr. Ladd has served as a trustee at the University of Massachusetts, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Meadville Lombard Theological School, and Boston Architectural College. He has held officer positions including board chair, treasurer, audit committee chair, and investment committee chair.

He is a frequent speaker on higher education trends and challenges at such venues at the Association of Governing Boards (AGB), the Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities, and the National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO).  He is often quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Education, Forbes, Bloomberg, TimesHigherEducation, The Boston Globe, and others. 

Education

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst 
• Received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Meadville Lombard Theological School
• Participated in professional development programs in strategic planning and change management at the Harvard Business School

Nancy Targett, Ph.D., joined AGB Search in 2018 and has executive search experience at the director, dean, vice president, and presidential levels. Her work is informed by more than 34 years of executive service in higher education.

Representative Executive Searches

• Arizona State University - Multiple Chair and Director Searches
• Boise State University - Vice President for Research and Economic Development
• Cornell University - Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, CALS
• Field Museum of Natural History - Senior Director, Keller Science Action Center 
• University of Utah - Vice President for Research

Experience and Honors

Dr. Targett served as Dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, Director of the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, and Acting President of the University of Delaware (UD). She also served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). 

At UD, Dr. Targett fostered campus-wide innovation ecosystems that expanded entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships at the institution. She led the team that formed First State Marine Wind and served on its board of directors for six years. She also expanded the footprint and portfolio of the Graduate College of Marine Studies to become the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and developed numerous academic partnerships. She received the Order of the First State from Governor Jack Markell in recognition of her contributions to the State of Delaware. 

At UNH, Dr. Targett promoted university relationships with external partners and focused on Initiatives related to recruiting and retaining students. She also worked to prepare students across the institution for entry into the workforce.  

Dr. Targett served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Consortium of Ocean Leadership, a Washington, D.C.-based group aimed at advancing ocean research and technology. She has held multiple elected positions for the National Sea Grant Program and served on several National Academy of Science panels, chairing two panels. She also chaired several fisheries committees during her federal appointment to the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council. She currently has a federal appointment to the National Sea Grant Advisory Board.   

Education

• B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Pittsburgh
• M.S. in Marine Science from the University of Miami
• Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Maine  
• Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Delaware