Reffett Associates Leading Provost Search for the Naval Postgraduate School

Firm tapped to find visionary leader to guide technology-focused institution

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:04am

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Seattle-based executive search firm Reffett Associates has been selected by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to lead the search for a new provost and academic dean. The search will be conducted by Marshall Reffett, managing director in Seattle and Washington, D.C., and Eric Reffett, managing director in Washington D.C.

Why it matters

The Naval Postgraduate School is a prestigious institution focused on providing defense-oriented graduate education and research. The next provost will play a critical role in guiding the school's technology-driven curriculum and advancing the operational effectiveness of the U.S. military.

The details

NPS is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader with established academic credentials and demonstrated leadership qualities to serve as its next provost. The position is appointed by the Secretary of the Navy and requires a doctoral or terminal degree in a relevant discipline, as well as a deep understanding of the Department of War and Department of the Navy's needs.

  • Reffett Associates was selected by NPS in April 2026 to lead the provost search.

The players

Marshall Reffett

Managing director at Reffett Associates in Seattle and Washington, D.C. with 15 years of experience recruiting talent for the federal government and private companies.

Eric Reffett

Managing director at Reffett Associates in Washington, D.C. and a retired Air Force Colonel who previously led efforts for U.S. government clients at Booz Allen Hamilton.

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)

A prestigious institution focused on providing defense-oriented graduate education and research, located in Monterey, California.

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What they’re saying

“In a world that continues to grow in uncertainty, training and educating the premiere fighting force and officer Corp in the planet is critical. The next provost at the Naval Postgraduate School will play a central role in educating not just the next generation of naval officers and scientists but also in training and educating officers in every branch of service. We commit to finding the best and most qualified candidates for this critical recruitment.”

— Marshall Reffett, Managing Director, Reffett Associates

What’s next

The search for the new provost and academic dean of the Naval Postgraduate School is ongoing, with Reffett Associates expected to present a slate of qualified candidates to the school's leadership in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Naval Postgraduate School's next provost will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of defense-focused graduate education, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to advance the operational effectiveness and warfighting advantage of the U.S. military.