Huston-Tillotson University

Situation Overview:

ZRG has been engaged to recruit an Assistant/Associate Vice President (AVP) for Institutional Effectiveness for Huston-Tillotson University.

About Houston-Tillotson University:

Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is a private, faith-based historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Austin, Texas. Rooted in a nearly 150-year legacy and affiliated with the United Methodist Church, HT provides a robust liberal arts and STEM education through market-driven certifications, associate, baccalaureate, master’s degrees, and centers of excellence. This legacy is celebrated through traditions such as Charter Day and the University’s ongoing Sesquicentennial commemorations.

Today, HT continues to grow its academic offerings, including an MBA program with a concentration in Management delivered in a hybrid format for working professionals, as well as adult degree completion programs designed for non-traditional learners. The university is led by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, its second female president, who has emphasized advancing an ambitious agenda for the institution's continued success. HT has also earned recent recognition, including rankings as a top private HBCU in Texas, and maintains an active campus culture built

around student organizations, athletics (the HT Rams), and community traditions like Homecoming — all reinforcing its mission to cultivate a diverse, mosaic community of learners and innovative leaders committed to academic excellence and service.

Position Description:

The Assistant/Associate Vice President (AVP) for Institutional Effectiveness provides strategic leadership and oversight for the University's comprehensive institutional effectiveness framework, including assessment, accreditation, data analytics, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role ensures alignment between institutional planning, academic and administrative assessment, and data-informed decision-making in support of the University's mission and strategic priorities. The AVP serves as a key advisor to senior leadership and works collaboratively across divisions to promote a culture of evidence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Tasks & Responsibilties:

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for institutional effectiveness, assessment, and accreditation activities;
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of institutional effectiveness plans aligned with the University's strategic plan;
• Serve as a senior advisor on institutional performance, outcomes, and continuous improvement strategies.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Coordinate and manage all regional and programmatic accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with accrediting bodies;
• Serve as the institutional liaison to accrediting agencies;
• Lead preparation of self-studies, compliance reports, and reaffirmation processes;
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of the institution's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) in alignment with SACSCOC requirements.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee institutional assessment processes, including academic program assessment, administrative unit assessment, and co-curricular evaluation;
• Ensure assessment results are used to inform planning, resource allocation, and improvement efforts;
• Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on assessment methodologies and best practices;
• Administer and analyze institutional surveys (e.g., NSSE, FSSE, alumni, and employer satisfaction surveys) and translate results into actionable insights for institutional decision-making.

Data Analytic & Reporting

• Direct the collection, analysis, and reporting of institutional data to support decision-making;
• Ensure integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of institutional data;
• Serve as the institution's IPEDS Keyholder and oversee IPEDS, THECB, and other state, federal, and external agency reporting requirements;
• Support compliance, performance reporting, and outcomes assessment for Title III and other federal grant programs;
• Coordinate institutional submissions to external surveys and rankings (e.g., Common Data Set, U.S. News & World Report, NACUBO, and AGB);
• Develop and maintain student success analytics, including retention, persistence, and graduation modeling, to support early-alert and student intervention strategies;
• Establish and maintain institutional data governance practices, including FERPA compliance, data stewardship, and oversight of data sharing agreements.

Planning & Effectiveness Integration

• Integrate strategic planning, budgeting, and assessment processes into a cohesive institutional effectiveness model;
• Lead the execution, monitoring, and annual reporting of the University's strategic plan, including ownership of institutional KPIs and progress dashboards;
• Monitor progress toward institutional goals and Key Performance Indicators;
• Provide regular reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior leadership, the President’s
• Cabinet, and the Board of Trustees.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to embed a culture of assessment and continuous improvement;
• Serve on institutional committees and task forces as appropriate;
• Communicate institutional effectiveness findings clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in higher education, public administration, research, or a related field;
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience with a doctorate or 10 or more years with a master's degree in institutional effectiveness, institutional research, accreditation, or a closely related area within higher education;
• Demonstrated experience with SACSCOC accreditation, including the Principles of Accreditation, reaffirmation, fifth-year interim reports, and substantive change processes;
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and reporting skills;
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience at a small private institution or HBCU;
• Experience integrating assessment with strategic planning and budgeting;
• Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI; experience with assessment management platforms (e.g., Watermark, Nuventive, and Weave); familiarity with SQL and a statistical package such as SPSS or R.

Knowledge, Skills & abilities

• Knowledge of higher education assessment, accreditation standards, and institutional effectiveness practices;
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate findings into actionable insights;
• Strong organizational and project management skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and senior leadership;
• High level of integrity and commitment to confidentiality.

Senior Management:

Dr. Melva K. Wallace, PhD

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Wallace’s extraordinary career spans much more than the realm of higher education. As a 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar, she had the unique honor of studying leadership under three former US Presidents, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Her remarkable accomplishments also earned her the 2018 ATHENA Award, the highest honor in Louisiana for women excelling in their careers and supporting others in reaching their leadership potential.

A board member of numerous esteemed organizations, including Centenary College of Louisiana, Christus Shumpert Hospital, Ballet Austin, and Austin PBS, Dr. Wallace is deeply committed to serving her community. She also serves as Board President of Extensions of Excellence and is a founding board member of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation, which has trained over 500 HBCU leaders nationwide. Many of these leaders have gone on to hold key positions at HBCUs nationwide, shaping the future of higher education.

Her entrepreneurial spirit has also left its mark. In 2011, Dr. Wallace co-founded the Shreveport Charter Foundation, which built the Magnolia School of Excellence, Shreveport’s first new school in over three decades. She later helped expand the school system with the opening of Magnolia Upper Campus in 2016, a project that now serves over 1,000 students in the Shreveport area.

Before making her mark in higher education, Dr. Wallace thrived in the corporate world as a C-suite executive. But she discovered her true passion in expanding educational access, particularly for underserved communities. A proud collaborator with Grammy-winning rapper Tip T.I. Harris, she co-created and co-teaches the groundbreaking course The Business of Trap Music, which has been featured in Forbes and Billboard.

Link to Complete bio for Dr. Melva K. Wallace, PhD.

Dr. Archibald W. Vanderpuye

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Vanderpuye’s distinguished career in higher education reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success, and institutional advancement. Since joining Huston-Tillotson University in 2011 as Associate Provost, he has used his scholarly expertise and strategic leadership to strengthen academic programs, build systems that support student persistence, and advance the University’s mission.

His leadership at HT has spanned several key roles, including Interim Dean of Enrollment Management and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In each capacity, Dr. Vanderpuye has worked to improve student outcomes and expand academic opportunity. Before joining HT, he served as Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of Retention and Intervention at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.

Under his leadership at HT, the University increased its fall-to-fall first-time freshman retention rate from an average of 50% to 56% over three years. He also created a spring semester Freshman Seminar course, an initiative that contributed to an all-time high 72% spring-to-fall first-time freshman retention rate.

Dr. Vanderpuye has also played an important role in advancing academic quality and compliance. He streamlined the faculty approval process for teaching online courses in preparation for fully online programs and has led efforts to revise and implement policies aligned with state and federal regulations. His work has included oversight of the implementation of the Master of Education program and support for a successful Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges program review onsite visit.

A scholar and academic leader, Dr. Vanderpuye earned his doctorate in plant science from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. He holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Tromsø in Norway and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.

Why is this a compelling position?

Huston-Tillotson University offers professionals the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in higher education. As Austin’s only historically Black college and university (HBCU), HT is committed to academic excellence, student success, and the development of socially responsible leaders. Employees support a diverse student community while contributing to an institution with a rich history and a strong vision for the future.

The University is building strong momentum through investments in campus growth, academic programs, and student resources. With a collaborative, mission-driven culture, competitive benefits, and a location in vibrant Austin, Huston-Tillotson offers employees the opportunity to grow professionally while helping shape the future of a historic institution.

Location:

Austin is one of America's fastest-growing cities, officially surpassing the one-million-resident milestone in 2025 and now ranking as the nation's 12th-largest city. Often referred to as "Silicon Hills," Austin has become a powerhouse for technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Industry leaders including Dell, Apple, Google, IBM, Oracle, Tesla, and Samsung have invested heavily in the region, creating a thriving innovation ecosystem. Combined with the presence of a world-class healthcare systems and homegrown brands like Whole Foods Market, the city offers exceptional career opportunities across a wide range of industries.

While Austin's economy continues to soar, its vibrant culture is what truly sets it apart.

Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," the city comes alive with legendary venues, iconic festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, and an unmistakable creative energy. Residents enjoy an active outdoor

lifestyle with kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, swimming at Barton Springs Pool, and miles of scenic hike-and-bike trails, while destinations like South Congress, Franklin Barbecue, and the city's renowned food truck scene showcase Austin's unique culinary and shopping culture. Blending innovation, entertainment, and a laid-back "Keep Austin Weird" spirit, Austin offers a lifestyle that's as exciting as its booming economy.

Huston-Tillotson University in the News:

July 2, 2026

Dr. Shaquille Dillon Named 2026 Finalist for Austin Under 40 Awards in Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations

July 1, 2026

Huston-Tillotson University Celebrates Faculty Achievement with Dr. Jeremy George’s Debut
Single Release – Hard Boppin’

June 10, 2026

Peter Cruz Named Huston-Tillotson University Head Volleyball Coach

June 10, 2026

Huston-Tillotson University Student Keliss Levone-Myers Crowned 2026 Miss Black Austin Texas USA

June 2, 2026

Newly Elected Huston-Tillotson Student Leaders Attend 29th Annual NASAP Student Leadership Institute

June 1, 2026

Huston-Tillotson University Celebrates Largest International Graduating Class in Institutional History

Interview Process:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG
2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews
3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment
4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team
5. Formal referencing
6. Offer extended

About ZRG Partner:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about finding top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to deliver executive searches dramatically faster and with proven, better results.

Dakota Doman Managing Director

ddoman@zrgpartners.com

Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country. Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black History Month edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leaders advancing equity and access in higher education.

Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.

Jerel Booker Principal

jbooker@zrgpartners.com

Jerel Booker is a senior executive and talent strategist with more than two decades of leadership experience driving organizational performance, strengthening leadership pipelines, and advancing mission-critical priorities across higher education, K–12 systems, government, and the nonprofit sector. He most recently served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² Executive Search, where he led national searches, particularly for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and oversaw enterprise operations, aligning people, processes, and technology to accelerate firm-wide growth and deliver measurable client impact.

Jerel’s career includes influential leadership roles across state and institutional systems. He has served as Associate Vice President at Coppin State University, Executive Director of Stand for Children Texas, and Associate Commissioner for Educator Quality and Student Policy Initiatives at the Texas Education Agency. Earlier in his career, he served on the staff of the Governor of Maryland, where he was responsible for government relations policy related to K–12 education, higher education, criminal justice, and minority business development. He also served as Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, directing division operations, staffing, and statewide institutional compliance across core statutory areas. His leadership portfolio spans program budgeting, human capital, technology, contracts, marketing, and enterprise risk management, reflecting a career dedicated to building systems, improving performance, and expanding equitable opportunities at scale.

Jerel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in criminology from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.

Kelly Lewis Vice President

People Culture & Inclusion Lead

klewis@zrgpartners.com

Kelly Lewis leads ZRG's purposeful commitment to the development of people and culture across the sports, media, and entertainment industries, focusing on the identification and magnification of talent stemming from underrepresented groups. Throughout her career, Kelly has illuminated the positive implications that representation can have in developing inclusive organizational cultures that drive significant business success.

A member of the National Black MBA Association, Kelly partners with clients and executives alike to provide counsel on professional development and the execution of wholly inclusive recruiting and hiring processes in an effort to champion better representation across every aspect of our industry. Kelly oversees all of ZRG's diversity, HR, and philanthropic searches and has successfully placed executives at the Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, RISE (Ross Initiative In Sports For Equality), and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

She comes to ZRG after serving as a Research and Recruiting Associate for Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, a top executive search firm in higher education. Kelly previously served at the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions and was a Teach for America educator in Houston. Kelly is an energetic professional with a Master of Science (M.S.Ed) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Kelly serves as the President of the Black Sports Professionals – Philadelphia chapter. She actively engages with organizations & affiliations associated with historically underutilized communities to improve access to the sports and entertainment industry.