R. Stanton Hales
Of Counsel
RStanton.Hales@academicsearch.org
Dr. R. Stanton Hales holds an “of counsel” status with Academic Search, allowing him to share his 15 years of consulting experience with others at the firm and outside parties. Through his work as a Senior Consultant, plus his time as a professor, academic vice president, and college president, Dr. Hales’ knowledge of higher education governance and leadership produces invaluable and appreciated advice.
Dr. Hales joined Academic Search in 2007 when senior consultants primarily performed searches without the help of a consultant or associate consultant. Even though it resulted in more work for senior consultants like Dr. Hales, he enjoyed the process because he could develop in-depth relationships with people at institutions. He often visited a campus at least five times, especially for a presidential search, and would build a kinship with administrators and Board members. In addition, Dr. Hales would become a regular at nearby coffee shops and restaurants, as it allowed him to deepen his understanding of the institution and the community it serves.
Before stepping into his Senior Consultant role at Academic Search, Dr. Hales was president of The College of Wooster for 12 years. His promotion to the presidency came after he was Wooster’s vice president for academic affairs for five years, as well as a professor in mathematics and computer science. Before that, Dr. Hales was a professor of mathematics and associate dean of the college at his alma mater, Pomona College.
Upon his retirement from The College of Wooster, Dr. Hales knew he didn’t want to leave higher education. After less than a month of “retirement,” Dr. Hales joined Academic Search. Consulting not only allowed him to stay connected to the field, but it provided the opportunity to visit and learn about all types of institutions across the country. Dr. Hales has built a robust network over the years, thanks to his personable temperament and ability to make meaningful connections with people. As a result, he was often requested by name to perform additional searches at the same schools. By leading multiple searches at one school, Dr. Hales was able to help shape institutions and make long-lasting positive impacts, which is what Dr. Hales considers the most rewarding part of being a senior consultant.
Dr. Hales has a long list of professional involvements, including the Board of Directors of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Executive Committees of the Annapolis Group, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, the Great Lakes Colleges Association, and the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. He also served on the Governor’s Commission (OH) for Higher Education and the Economy. Additionally, Dr. Hales currently serves on the Alumni Council of Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
