Confidentiality is essential to attracting a strong and diverse pool of qualified candidates. Many prospective candidates currently hold leadership positions at other institutions and may only consider an opportunity when their interest can remain confidential. Members of the Presidential Search Committee are committed to protecting confidential information throughout the process.
Presidential Search
The Jewell administration invites you on the journey in search of our new president
Shaping the Future of William Jewell College
William Jewell College is embarking on an important new chapter as we begin the search for our next president. Guided by our mission, values and commitment to academic excellence, we seek a leader who will build upon Jewell’s distinctive legacy while advancing a bold vision for the future.
The Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee are committed to a thoughtful, inclusive and comprehensive national search that reflects the voices and aspirations of the Jewell community.
Throughout this process, this page will serve as the central resource for search updates, important milestones and opportunities to participate.
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Presidential Search Timeline
Our search process is designed to encourage meaningful community engagement while identifying the strongest possible candidates to lead William Jewell College.
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OCTOBER 2026
Search Partner Selected
William Jewell College selects Academic Search to lead a comprehensive national search for its next president.
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NOVEMBER 2026
Community Engagement
Academic Search will gather input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and other members of the Jewell community. Search consultant Dr. Pamela Balch will visit campus to meet with key constituent groups.
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DECEMBER 2026
National Search Launch
Following approval by the Presidential Search Committee, a presidential profile outlining the College’s priorities and desired leadership qualifications will guide the launch of the national search.
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SPRING 2027
Presidential Selection
The College anticipates appointing its next president following a comprehensive evaluation and selection process.
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JULY 1, 2027
Presidential Transition
The next president is expected to officially assume office.
Dates are anticipated and subject to change as the search progresses.
About the Search Process
William Jewell College has partnered with Academic Search, a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in higher education leadership.
Founded in 1976, Academic Search has conducted more than 900 presidential searches and brings extensive experience identifying leaders who align with the distinctive missions and priorities of colleges and universities.
The search will be led by Dr. Pamela Balch, senior consultant with Academic Search. Dr. Balch brings more than 30 years of higher education experience, including 13 years serving as a college president.
Together with the Presidential Search Committee, Academic Search will guide the development of the presidential profile, national recruitment efforts and candidate evaluation process.
Your Voice Matters
The perspectives of our campus community will play an important role in shaping this search. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and other stakeholders will have opportunities to share their perspectives on the qualities, experiences and priorities that should define Jewell’s next president.
Details about upcoming engagement opportunities will be shared as they become available.
Nominate Our Next President
Help Shape Jewell’s Future.
Great leadership begins with great possibilities. We invite members of the Jewell community and beyond to recommend individuals who demonstrate the vision, experience and commitment to lead the College into its next chapter.
Nominations are confidential and will be shared directly with our search consultants at Academic Search. Please fill out the form or email the salutation, first and last name, title and organization and the email address of your nominee to WilliamJewellPresident@academicsearch.org.
Nominate a Candidate →
Search Updates & Announcements
Stay informed as William Jewell College moves through the presidential search process. Official announcements, important milestones and opportunities for community engagement will be shared here.
October 23, 2026 — William Jewell College Selects Academic Search as Presidential Search Partner
William Jewell College has selected Academic Search to lead the national search for its next president. The firm will begin gathering community input in November, with the national search anticipated to launch in early December.
Read the Full Announcement →
Frequently Asked Questions
The search is overseen by the Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Tyler Griffin ’01, Vice Chair of the William Jewell College Board of Trustees. Academic Search, led by senior consultant Dr. Pamela Balch, is serving as the College’s search partner.
Members of the community are encouraged to nominate qualified individuals through the confidential nomination form available on this page. Nominations will be directed to the search consultants for consideration.
Academic Search will gather input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and other members of the College community beginning in November 2026. Additional information about opportunities to participate will be shared as the search progresses.
Yes. Official announcements and updates at key milestones will be published on this page to keep the Jewell community informed.
Candidates will be evaluated against the qualifications, experiences and leadership priorities outlined in the presidential profile developed with input from the Jewell community. Internal and external candidates will be considered using the same criteria.
William Jewell College anticipates appointing its next president in spring 2027, with the new president expected to assume office on July 1, 2027.
Questions About the Presidential Search?
Questions or information related to the search may be directed to the Presidential Search Committee chair or the Academic Search consultants.
Additional contact information will be provided as the search progresses.