Kevin Sanders, DMA, ACC

I support faculty and leaders in crafting a clear vision, navigating conflict, and building buy-in—empowering them to manage change, align their purpose with personal growth, and drive meaningful success on their campuses. 

With over two decades of experience across small regional universities and large public and private R1 institutions, Kevin has navigated the challenges of leadership at every level, serving as a faculty member, assistant chair, research coordinator, director, and dean. Throughout his career, he has focused on coaching and leadership development to cultivate the skills needed to drive change and serve others. 

As a classically trained musician, Kevin brings a unique perspective to leadership and change management, emphasizing the power of creativity and teamwork in driving progress. The soft skills he honed as an artist—discipline, collaboration, adaptability, connection, and creative problem-solving—help him navigate the complexities of higher education, from managing diverse teams to guiding institutions through organizational change.  

Kevin is a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and partners with academic leaders to tackle their most pressing challenges: 

• Managing organizational change with clarity and confidence. 

• Building cohesive, high-performing teams. 

• Aligning institutional goals with personal purpose and values. 

• Creating organizational systems for efficiency and impact. 

Through coaching, Kevin helps his clients uncover roadblocks, embrace new perspectives, and move toward their goals. He believes in a collaborative process that fosters self-discovery and empowerment, enabling leaders to make decisions that benefit both their institutions and the people they serve. 

Kevin’s leadership journey is distinguished by his ability to implement transformative change, whether increasing student enrollment, advancing faculty diversity, or launching new academic programs that align with institutional missions. He has spearheaded the planning, construction, and grand opening of major capital projects, and driven innovation through curriculum modernization, international partnerships, and community initiatives that broadened community access to education for all ages. 

He holds degrees from Indiana University, the Juilliard School, and Michigan State University, along with certifications from Cornell University and Harvard University. 

Testimonials 

“Kevin is a wonderful listener and has the ability to consider situations from many angles. As someone who specializes in collaboration, I value Kevin’s spirit of working with others to bring out the best in all.  He knows the educational terrain and what is necessary to bring about positive change and achieve expanding goals.” – Professor and Faculty Senate President

“Kevin Sanders brings a rare combination of thoughtfulness, supportiveness, and effectiveness to his leadership coaching. Many leaders excel in one or two of these areas, but Kevin consistently demonstrates all three—and he does so with a focus on empowering others, not serving himself. His coaching is a testament to his commitment to helping higher education leaders grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.” – Associate Dean