June

Update on filling leadership roles

Two search firms retained for hiring key positions in University Advancement and School of HEaT.

By Cory Phare

June 25, 2018

Metropolitan State University of Denver is conducting searches for high-level leadership positions: a vice president of University Advancement and founding dean of the School of Hospitality, Events and Tourism. 

There is a high sense of urgency for both of these openings to be filled; given the demand, hiring can typically take around four months for these types of roles, said Leslie Nelson, team lead for talent management in human resources.

“With leadership-level positions, the timeline strongly depends on the candidate marketplace,” she said. “Of course, we will not settle on a candidate just to meet a timeline. Our intention is to uncover candidates that are accomplished, diverse and visionary leaders who strengthen the organizations they lead and create long-term impact.”

The search-committee chair for the VP role is Elizabeth Hinde, dean of the School of Education, while the dean-search chair is Clay Daughtrey, interim dean of HEaT.

MSU Denver is working with Storbeck Pimentel and Associates as a third-party recruiting agency to fill the VP of Advancement role. They have led 200-plus searches at the level of president/chancellor and have placed senior leaders, including vice presidents and vice chancellors, provosts and deans, at colleges and universities, small and large, public and private, in 46 states – including the recent hire of Will Simpkins as vice president of Student Affairs.

The University has also contracted with Korn Ferry for the HEaT search. The recruiting agency has led more than 50 successful leadership searches, with recent assignments including Northern Arizona University, Michigan State University and Rice University.

More information will be shared via the Early Bird as both searches progress.