CSA Search & Consulting is proud to announce the successful completion of two senior academic leadership searches at Tennessee Technological University, including the placement of a new Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs.
These placements represent a significant milestone for CSA, marking the first completed searches within the firm’s Academic Division since its launch in late 2025. Building on its national leadership in collegiate athletics executive search, CSA continues to expand its footprint in higher education with a focused, relationship-driven approach to academic leadership recruitment.
Partnering closely with Tennessee Tech leadership, CSA conducted comprehensive, nationwide searches for both roles, engaging a broad and highly competitive pool of candidates. The searches resulted in the recommendation and appointment of outstanding leaders who will help guide the university’s continued growth and success.
Dr. Mickey A. Latour Named Provost
Following a national search, Tennessee Tech recommended Dr. Mickey A. Latour as Provost, recognizing his extensive academic leadership experience and deep understanding of institutional priorities. Dr. Latour brings a strong record of advancing academic excellence and faculty engagement. Read the full announcement.
Dr. Katie Aikens Named Vice President for Student Affairs
CSA also supported the search resulting in the recommendation of Dr. Katie Aikens as Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Aikens is a proven student affairs leader with a demonstrated commitment to student success, engagement, and campus community. Read the full announcement.
“CSA ran an efficient, thorough, and nationwide search for us for both of these critical VP positions,” said Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “Their thoughtful approach, strong candidate pool, and understanding of Tennessee Tech’s culture made them a valued partner throughout the process. We are very pleased with the outcomes and what they mean for our university’s future.”
The successful completion of these searches underscores CSA’s momentum in the academic space. Since launching the Academic Division, the firm is already partnering with multiple institutions across the country and is currently engaged in several additional academic leadership searches.
“Our expansion into academic executive search reflects the evolving needs of our clients and the strength of our team’s experience across higher education,” said CSA President Drew Turner. “We are proud to support institutions like Tennessee Tech in identifying leaders who will have a lasting impact on their campuses and communities.”
CSA’s Academic Division is built on the same principles that have defined the firm’s success nationally—thoughtful, personalized service, deep market insight, and a commitment to providing best-in-class consulting services that exceed our clients’ expectations.
About CSA Search & Consulting
Founded in 2010 by longtime Division I Director of Athletics Todd Turner, CSA Search & Consulting is a leading executive search and consulting firm for higher education and intercollegiate athletics. Drawing on more than a century of combined experience in these sectors and a portfolio of more than 500 successful projects, CSA’s expertise is truly unmatched. Guided by core values of integrity, relationships, constant improvement, respect for all people, teamwork, and an elite reputation, the firm empowers clients, industry professionals, and colleagues through best-in-class, communicative, responsive, and personalized executive search and consulting services.