L. Jay Lemons

L. Jay Lemons became president of Academic Search in 2017 after serving for 25 years as a college president in both public and private higher education. Lemons is devoted to supporting leadership and talent development by working with new college presidents through programs by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and through the professional development programs for aspiring leaders of the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). Before joining Academic Search, Lemons was president of Susquehanna University (PA), and prior to that served as chancellor of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Earlier in his career, Lemons served in various roles at Texas A&M University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and the University of Virginia. Lemons is a leader whom others in higher education have recognized for his ability to work across institutions and systems, having served in key leadership positions in many national, state, and local organizations. In addition, he served on boards or committees of the Council of Independent Colleges, the American Council on Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Lemons earned his PhD in higher education administration at the University of Virginia, an MEd in educational psychology at the University of Nebraska, and his baccalaureate degree at Nebraska Wesleyan.