Saint Leo University, based in Florida, has enlisted the Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to assist in finding its new president following Dr. Edward Dadez’s retirement. Since joining the university in 2000 and becoming president in 2022, Dr. Dadez has contributed significantly to its development, leaving behind a legacy that the new appointee will need to build upon.
The recruitment will be led by senior executive search consultant Sally Mason and executive search consultant Larry Ladd. The new president will face the crucial task of improving the university’s financial conditions by enhancing program quality and implementing effective marketing strategies to boost enrollment and revenue. Additionally, planned partnerships with businesses and increased philanthropic support will be integral to their role.
The university is seeking a candidate who brings a fresh, unifying vision and can effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including board members, alumni, faculty, and community leaders. This leader should have a positive outlook, strategic agility, and the ability to listen and engage others to further the university’s mission of education and service.
Founded in 1889 as Florida’s first Catholic college, Saint Leo University serves a diverse student body from across the United States and around the world. Its current enrollment stands at 9,523. AGB Search, established by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges in 2010, is well-versed in higher education leadership searches, having successfully conducted searches for numerous institutions, including recent appointments like that of Dr. Jermaine Whirl as the president of Savannah State University.
With a robust pool of candidates expected and an emphasis on shared governance, the search for Saint Leo’s next leader embodies the institution’s commitment to future growth and opportunity within a rapidly changing educational landscape.