Leading the Pauly Group is both a challenge and joy. Perhaps, that’s why I enjoy it so much. Everyday there’s something new, something different, but always something interesting.

My journey to president began 10 years ago, when I noticed a green paper on the University of Illinois’ student employment bulletin board. I’d just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and was beginning to work on my Master’s. I wanted a job but needed the flexibility to work around my classes. I called the number listed on the “assistant wanted” green sheet and received an interview with Teri Pauly.

Diversity and gender equity have always been very important to me. So, when I walked into the Pauly Group offices and learned of the mission, I knew I’d found a home and was hired.

Having worked through my college years, I easily handled the routine clerical tasks. Eventually, I began to ask for more responsibility. However, after eight months, nothing had changed. So, one Friday afternoon I walked into Teri’s office and quit. It’s probably the only time I’ve ever seen her speechless. But, recovering quickly, she said, “Well, let’s not make any decisions this minute. Let’s think about it over the weekend and talk again on Monday.”

The following Monday, my life changed forever and Teri began to assign me more and more responsibility. I learned the basics of conducting reference interviews with a ear for the unspoken; mastered the complexities of tracking down the “whole story;” learned the art of preparing a reference report; began interacting with candidates and college personnel comfortably. Under Teri’s direction and with her mentoring, I initiated our quality assurance program, and formalized our consultant training, complete with a training manual.

Then, one day, Teri called me into her office, explained that we needed to upgrade our recruiting efforts, and outlined the basics of a national recruitment program for me. She then stated, “I’d like you to develop a formal recruiting program for us that includes building on my existing database and keeping it up to date, a formal consultant training program, and a system to monitor and track our recruiting efforts.”

I had asked for responsibility and now had it – big time! During the next six months I worked to develop the program. Teri was never very far away and was always there to answer questions and provide suggestions. But, it was to be my program. During this same period, the growth of the business demanded we add new consultants, and I was assigned this responsibility, as well. While Teri hired our original consultants, it was now up to me to contact, reference, and either hire or decline new consultants. I’m happy to report many of these consultants remain active with us today.

The next several years were extremely busy as I was introduced to the administration of the firm. I was surprised by the amount of detail that goes into running a business. Everything is important; and everything is a priority. I began to work with our accountant, lawyer, and even our banker. And, over the years, my depth of understanding and appreciation of Teri’s accomplishments grew.

Then, Teri and I began to talk of a partnership. I was honored, no more so when she offered to change the firm’s name to a more generic title. However, out of respect for her, I elected to retain the name established by our founder.

As Teri prepared for retirement, she and I began traveling together to our client colleges. The hours on the road were times of great stories, lessons, and a lot of fun. At first, Teri led the meetings and I assisted; then, as my skill grew, I led and Teri, well, Teri tried not to lead! In 2003, I assumed the presidency and, with lessons well learned, began to fly alone.

Today, while Teri is mostly retired, she and I remain business partners, and the very best of friends. Our administrative styles are completely different. Yet, Teri built the solid base upon which Pauly Group stands and, now, it falls to me to advance our mission to the next level.

The future holds many promises and challenges for our community and technical colleges and Pauly Group will be there to help meet them. Technology has already radically altered candidate requirements and recruiting methods. The increasingly complex needs of our students will require even greater flexibility and innovative thinking on the part of administrators. And, Pauly Group will be there to address and facilitate all of these changes. We will continue to identify, recruit, and reference the very best administrative talent for our client colleges and to fulfill our mission:

The advancement of administrative excellence
In community and technical colleges
Through diversity and gender equity.

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