Thom Chesney on Hiring Right [I Wanna Work There]

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Eddie Francis speaks with Thom D. Chesney, president of Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, about the power of intentional hiring and how the right person in the right role can elevate an institution’s reputation. Thom shares an inspiring story from his time at a previous institution, where a strategic approach to recruitment led to a transformational provost hire. This hire not only embodied the university’s core values but also became a highly regarded leader who authentically represented the institution’s mission.

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Key Takeaways

• Core Values Should Guide the Hiring Process
  A successful hire begins with identifying candidates who align with your institution’s mission and core values, ensuring that they can authentically represent your brand.
• Intentionality in Hiring Makes the Difference
  Preparing thoroughly by evaluating job ads, self-studying institutional culture, and involving all stakeholders leads to better hiring decisions and stronger outcomes.
• Transformational Leaders Elevate Reputation
  A hire who authentically lives the institution’s mission can inspire colleagues, engage students, and represent the university positively in the broader community.
• Hiring for Culture Fit Goes Beyond Credentials
  While qualifications are essential, prioritizing a candidate’s ability to connect with the institution’s culture, values, and people leads to long-term success.

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A Story of Transformative Leadership

Thom Chesney shares a compelling example from his tenure as president at a previous institution where the hiring process for a provost turned into a transformative moment for the university. At the time, the institution was deeply rooted in its mission and core values but noticed that these elements weren’t always coming through in hiring practices.

To address this, Thom’s team conducted a self-study of their recruitment strategy, evaluating job ads and hiring practices to ensure they reflected the institution’s identity. They restructured their approach to highlight the institution’s mission and values in job postings and interview questions. Candidates were asked to share how they would embody the institution’s values in their roles.

When the provost role opened, the new approach resulted in the hiring of a dynamic and mission-aligned leader. This individual didn’t just meet the qualifications for the role; she authentically lived the institution’s core values, engaging with students, faculty, and the community in meaningful ways. Her immediate impact was palpable—students and staff sought her out, she became a trusted representative of the university at external events, and her leadership energized the campus culture.

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The Power of Core Values in Hiring

Thom emphasizes the importance of hiring employees who align with an institution’s core values, describing them as the compass for decision-making and behavior on campus. By centering core values in the recruitment process, the institution was able to attract candidates who were not only qualified but also passionate about the mission.

The new provost exemplified this alignment, especially in the way she championed one of the institution’s key values: freedom. Her focus on creating an environment where students and employees could express themselves and discover their potential resonated across campus. Thom notes that this alignment didn’t just happen—it was the result of a deliberate, inclusive hiring process that prioritized values over speed.

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How the Right Hire Impacts Reputation

The provost’s leadership elevated the institution’s reputation, both internally and externally. Within months, she became a sought-after presence at community events, alumni gatherings, and campus functions. Her ability to authentically represent the institution’s mission earned her trust and respect, and she became a cornerstone of the university’s employer brand.

Thom’s story underscores the idea that hiring isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about shaping the institution’s identity and culture. By prioritizing core values and intentionally designing the hiring process, institutions can attract transformative leaders who strengthen their reputation and foster a thriving campus environment.

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Make sure to check out the full I Wanna Work There playlist today.

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‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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