- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Leavenworth Today
By the People, for the People
University of Saint Mary Taps Academic Search to Find 10th President
Firm also selected by Muskingum University to lead search for 22nd president
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, Kansas to lead a national search for its 10th president. The university is seeking a dynamic, mission-focused, and visionary leader to build upon past achievements and steer the institution through a rapidly changing academic landscape. Academic Search has also been selected by Muskingum University in Ohio to lead the search for its 22nd president.
Why it matters
The University of Saint Mary and Muskingum University are both at pivotal moments in their histories, requiring strong presidential leadership to navigate the complexities of the evolving higher education environment. The selection of Academic Search, a leading firm in executive searches for colleges and universities, signals the importance these institutions place on finding the right leaders to guide them into the future.
The details
Academic Search senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason are leading the search for the University of Saint Mary's 10th president. The successful candidate will be expected to expand institutional resources, enhance engagement with neighboring communities, and articulate a clear and compelling vision. Meanwhile, Academic Search senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with associate consultant Carly Place, are leading the search for Muskingum University's 22nd president. The board of trustees seeks an innovative, collaborative, and decisive leader to build on the university's 189-year history of academic excellence.
- Academic Search was retained by the University of Saint Mary in February 2026.
- The new president of the University of Saint Mary will take office on or before July 1, 2026.
- Current Muskingum University president Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026 after 10 years of leadership.
The players
Academic Search
An education-focused executive recruiter that has been a leader in designing and implementing search processes for leaders of colleges and universities across the country.
University of Saint Mary
A private Catholic university located in Leavenworth, Kansas, founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.
Muskingum University
A university located in New Concord, Ohio, with a 189-year history of academic excellence, offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
Suzanne Mellon
An Academic Search senior consultant and former president of Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Disa Mason
An Academic Search senior consultant with nearly two decades of experience at the firm.
What’s next
The search committees for both the University of Saint Mary and Muskingum University will work with Academic Search to identify and evaluate candidates, with the goal of having the new presidents in place by July 1, 2026.
The takeaway
The selection of Academic Search, a leading firm in higher education executive searches, underscores the importance these institutions place on finding the right leaders to guide them through the evolving challenges and opportunities in the higher education landscape.
