John W. Garland is a Senior Consultant at Academic Search, Inc., where he leverages a distinguished career as a college president, attorney, and civil rights advocate to identify top-tier executive talent for higher education institutions. Based in Washington, D. C., John served as the 7th President of his alma mater, Central State University (CSU), from 1997 to 2012. During his transformative 15-year tenure, he oversaw a 160% increase in enrollment, the construction of eight new buildings, and successfully secured CSU's status as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution. Before entering university administration, he was a prominent trial lawyer and served as General Counsel for the University of the District of Columbia and Associate General Counsel at the University of Virginia. A U. S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, John's leadership is informed by his extensive experience in both the legal and academic sectors. He holds a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree from Central State University.