What People Are Saying About Us

Clients

“Every part of this search was handled with professionalism, expert facilitation of conversations among campus constituencies, and skill in attracting a strong and diverse pool of candidates. We enjoyed working with WSES and are delighted in not only their immediacy and responsiveness to our specific needs but also the exceptional results as we concluded the search process. WSES functioned as a knowledgeable partner who truly understood the challenges and opportunities for the successful candidate at our institution.”—Dr. Beth Stroble, President Webster University

“The firm exceeded expectations in an important and challenging dean search. Vice-president Leila Moore was available to assist in person, by phone or by email whenever she was needed. She was professional, diplomatic and proactive in providing guidance, helping to develop search documents, and executing search plans. The recruitment of potential dean candidates was extensive and rigorous, and resulted in a pool of qualified applicants. All search activities were conducted with the highest degree of professional integrity and sensitivity to the confidential nature of searches. ” —Dr. Margaret N. Wineman, Committee Chari, Dean of College of Nursing, University of Akron

“We were impressed by your understanding of student affairs and higher education. We found the preliminary planning / review meetings to be very helpful. Your suggested course of action / timetable worked well. (We thought that your suggestion for the Search Committee to spend time with each direct report was great). The Search Committee developed a good sense of student affairs issues thanks to your preparation and suggestions. You obviously spent time developing the quantity / quality of the candidate pool, and we appreciated your advice and insights as we narrowed the pool. “—Deborah Fullam, Search Committee Chair, Vice President and Controller, Lebanon Valley College

“As Chair of the College’s Search Committee, I believe that the model you proposed to us for conducing the search, which we followed almost to the letter, in terms of both process and timing, was absolutely appropriate. I believe it gave us the best chance of getting the best possible candidates to choose from. Additionally, the process allowed us to move quickly enough so that loses of potential candidates were minimized.

“Your team was wonderful to work with. The most important part of that was your personal responsiveness. I was able to reach you almost any day of the week, and about fourteen or fifteen hours a day for almost seven months. I only remember a couple of times that I did not reach you immediately or get a call back in less than an hour. Similarly, any time we asked you to join us at a meeting, you did, and you responded fully to any questions we had or advice we sought. When questions emerged regarding information your team provided, you followed up quickly and got further information to us rapidly.”—Richard Fenton- Search Committee Chair, SUNY Brockport

“Several Areas with high level of satisfaction:

  • Use of web to present candidate materials
  • Initial recruitment of interested/strong candidates
  • Reference checks, as well as initial interviews with selective candidates, and presentation of these materials for committee review.”

—David Parkyn – Provost and Senior Vice President, Elizabethtown College

“Not only was WSES very knowledgeable but there also was lots of room for flexibility regarding the actual job description.Bill showed enormous respect for the process and all the parties involved (including the candidates and the members of the search committee)”—Claire Sterk, Senior Vice Provost Search Committee Chair- Vice Provost for Enrollment and Academic Services Emory University.

“Bill was very easy to work with and immediately, and effectively responded to every request. The process was thorough and helped streamline the process at every step of the way. I would highly recommend him to any one.”
—Dr. Laura Wankel, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, Seton Hall University

“Thanks for all of your efforts. I know I can depend on you to know the right thing to do and to make the process easier for us!”—Karen L. Pennington, Vice President Student Development and Campus Life, Montclair State University

“Once again, you are to be commended for identifying such excellent professionals and for giving us the opportunity to bring them to our campus.”—James Gump, Committee Chair, Associate Professor of History, University  of San Diego

“Bill, I believe the process went smoothly and quickly as intended. The campus was pleased with the three candidates. It’s great that it work out okay. Thanks again for the leadership.“—Paul Bissonnett, Vice President Finance and Administration, University of San Diego

Candidates

“WSES is an excellent resource and skilled search firm. I enjoyed working with Dr. Moore and she was able to provide valuable information about the institution, the position and the search. I was not as familiar with a search that required candidates to travel to the area, and not to visit campus (rather than a phone screen). Dr. Moore assisted in making the process seamless. Thank you.”

 

“The search process was handled very well and I greatly appreciated the updates and feedback provided. The communication was outstanding and very timely. I felt like I know how the search process would unfold. The information I needed for each step in the process was clear and valuable.”

“I am very grateful to have been through such a great agency for the academic search. Although I was not selected for the position. I was one of the final two and throughout the whole process I felt very in touch and my concerns we of great concerns to Ms. Moore.”

 

“I worked specifically with Leila Moore and she made the process feel seamless!”

 

“The WSES staff, comprised of experienced professionals from higher education administration, understand the needs of the institution and the interests and strengths of the candidates. The on-line services ”

 

“While I am fully aware that William Spelman Executive Search represents the interest of the institution that retained them, I must admit that throughout this search process, I often felt that the firm represented me. Thank you for making this experience painless!”

 

“Thank you, Bill, and your staff, for making my job search a very positive experience. You were knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and timely with information throughout the process. You made what can be a very vulnerable time quite affirming. I almost felt like you were working for me instead of the institution to which I was applying. Thanks, as well, for all of the personal touches along the way. ”

 

“I really enjoyed working with Bill. He was very personable, knowledgeable and was always willing to provide helpful feedback.”

 

“Working with William Spelman Executive Search was a fruitful and comfortable experience. The firm followed through on projects and timelines and always performed professionally.”

 

“You were professional and very accessible. I appreciate the warm and personal attention that you provided me during and after the search was completed.”

“Bill, thank you for your feedback and congratulations on selecting the right person for the position! It is rarely an easy process and much time and commitment is required from the search team. Also, I want to thank you for willingness to address my questions and concerns when I initially contacted you. Obviously, I was somewhat nervous since I was seriously venturing out for the first time.”

“As you remember, I was not seeking another position but was open to the possibility of moving because I believed that there was a “special opportunity” that I was interested in. I mention this only to say that I appreciate you keeping me in mind, from time to time, but, I am not likely to apply for other positions.  My application experience was a positive one. There are always lessons learned! Best wishes for ‘best fits’ on all your searches…”

“Bill, I am so impressed with the professional way in which you conduct these searches. I am of course disappointed, but feel very good about the way I have been treated. I will refer future colleagues to your agency.”