DR. MICHAEL
R. FERRARI
Senior Vice President
Managing Director,
Higher Education Practice
EFL Associates - Chicago
Email: mferrari@eflassociates.com
Dr. Michael (Mick) R. Ferrari recently joined EFL Associates as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of our new Chicago office located in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Joining Dr. Gordon H. Lamb, Founding Managing Director of EFL Associates' Higher Education Practice, Ferrari's search activities are focused on college and university presidents as well as provost, vice president, dean and athletic director positions.
Prior to joining EFL Associates, Ferrari served with distinction for the past five years as Chancellor of Texas Christian University, and previously as President of Drake University for 13 years. At both institutions, he led substantial progress in institutional renewal, vitality and academic prominence. He successfully developed strategic planning initiatives, comprehensive fund-raising campaigns totaling $500 million, facility improvements exceeding $200 million, governing board renewal, and innovative programs in institutional outreach and international education. Participating in numerous searches for key personnel, he brings hands-on experience in attracting outstanding leadership for colleges and universities. During his academic career, ten individuals on his administrative teams went on to become college or university presidents.
Earlier in his career, Ferrari served as Provost of two major public universities (Bowling Green State University and Wright State University), and Interim President of Bowling Green State University. He also served as Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Michigan. A Professor of Management and Organizational Behavior, he is the author of "Profiles of American College Presidents" and has publications in strategic planning, integrated marketing, industry and academic collaboration, and academic leadership.
Ferrari holds a bachelor's and master's degree in social science and a doctorate in business administration from Michigan State University. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University and an Honorary Doctorate from Bowling Green State University. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Management at the William P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Ferrari has served as President of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities and chair of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the NCAA Presidents Commission. He served as a trustee for the Foundation for Independent Higher Education, and is on the ACE Commission on International Education and the Board of Directors of Pier 1 Imports.
| D.B.A. | Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan |
| M.A. | Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan |
| B.A. | Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan |
"Given the extraordinary challenges and opportunities facing higher education today, exemplary leadership is essential to ensure the continuing health and vitality of institutions that contribute so much to the advancement of society. I am eager to assist governing boards, presidents and search committees identify the best candidate, not simply the best 'available' person seeking an important senior leadership position. Having been a university president for 20 years, I understand the special qualities and values of the academy, and I am committed to giving my personal attention and involvement through every stage of the search process, including follow-up contact with the institution after the search is completed to assist with any issue that might affect the success of the person selected."
