Finding the “Unicorn” Leader for Nursing Education | Alamo Colleges District – Northwest Lakeview College

The Situation

Northwest Lakeview College needed a proven leader to oversee nursing programs, manage faculty, and interface effectively with the Board of Education. Past attempts to fill the position had stalled, reflecting both the limited talent pool and the specific skillset required.

The Approach

To streamline the hiring process and address the urgency of the search, SES implemented a targeted, high-touch strategy centered on a calibrated success profile and rigorous candidate mapping within higher education nursing. The team utilized diverse slating goals and competency-based evaluations including work samples and specific exercises to ensure only the most qualified talent reached the final stages.

The Outcome

The identified hire proved to be a “unicorn” candidate whose culture and technical aptitude aligned perfectly with the College’s unique needs. Bringing deep clinical and operational leadership experience alongside an extensive network within the Texas higher education landscape, they offered the specific expertise in proposal writing and Board engagement necessary for program approval and funding.