Buffkin / Baker Names Pelema Ellis Principal
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., July 8, 2022 – Buffkin / Baker, a partner-led executive search firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Pelema Ellis as principal, where he will be responsible for creating value for clients in the firm’s higher education practice.
Ellis brings more than 20 years of experience in driving a strategic effort through a variety of roles in higher education. Previously, he served as president at Great Bay Community College, leading a comprehensive reorganization of the college’s leadership structure. Before that, he was the vice provost for enrollment and strategic development at the University of Missouri, where he led the development and launch of the university’s first strategic enrollment management committee as well as its first integrated strategic enrollment management plan. Most recently, he was vice provost at the University of New Hampshire, where he led efforts to increase net tuition revenue. As a campus thought partner, Ellis has demonstrated success in institutional-wide strategy development and planning to foster innovative, collaborative, and high-achieving environments.
“We are delighted to welcome Pelema to Buffkin / Baker. His significant experience in higher education will add substantial depth to our team and strengthen our capabilities as we serve our higher education clients across the country,” said Martin Baker, managing partner, and higher education practice leader.
“Pelema brings a set of diverse leadership skills, having worked at a top liberal arts college, an AAU institution, and a community college, among others. His knowledge of the higher education landscape over the past 20 years will add significant value as we partner with our clients to build their leadership.”
Ellis holds a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Michigan’s Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in higher education and a bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology from San Jose State University. He is a noted speaker in the higher education field and has made numerous media appearances regarding the future of higher education.
“I am excited to join Buffkin / Baker and work with postsecondary institutions to build great leadership teams,” Ellis said. “Throughout my search process, Martin and his colleagues demonstrated competency and humanity that aligned with my values.”