We enhance Board, Leadership, and Compensation Effectiveness within Institutions of Higher Education.
The Casagrande Institute for Higher Education Effectiveness advances excellence by empowering institutions to optimize governance, enhance operational efficiency, and promote equitable compensation practices. Our advisors collaborate closely with institutional leaders to develop sustainable solutions that align with each institution’s mission, values, strategic priorities, and finances.
Our integration with the Center for Professional Learning at Viterbo University provides expanded opportunities to serve higher education. The Casagrande Institute proudly sponsors the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).
Realizing Mission Through Enhanced Effectiveness
Faculty and Staff Compensation Effectiveness
We help organizations develop sustainable and fiscally responsible compensation structures that attract and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff.
- Diagnostic assessment to evaluate current compensation practices and readiness for change.
- Benchmarking and competitive analyses.
- Development of custom structures that balance affordability, internal equity, and external markets.
Our process results in a clear compensation philosophy and framework to enable informed decision-making about investment prioritization.
Board Effectiveness
The Casagrande Institute highlights the vital connections between board performance, presidential assessments, and strategic institutional planning.
- Confidential stakeholder interviews to evaluate board effectiveness.
- Strengthening the critical relationships between the board chair, institutional CEO, and committee chairs.
- Providing skilled facilitation for trustee and leadership meetings to ensure that all voices are heard and innovative solutions are developed.
Our neutral perspective builds trust, encourages full participation, and offers clear, unbiased guidance in navigating complex governance challenges.
Executive Compensation Effectiveness
The Casagrande Institute provides expert executive compensation services, equipping institutions to navigate scrutiny during economically challenging times.
- Comprehensive education for boards and compensation committees.
- Executive compensation process reviews.
- Detailed assessments of total remuneration.
We also assist in clarifying executive roles, ensuring IRS Form 990 compliance, and developing key compensation components like incentives and retirement plans. Our services empower leadership to recruit, reward, and retain top talent.
Leadership Effectiveness
The Casagrande Institute offers specialized leadership effectiveness assessments and executive coaching to elevate the performance of executive teams, including presidents and their cabinets in higher education.
- Facilitating annual reviews for timely strategy and compensation adjustments.
- Conducting comprehensive assessments every three to five years for in-depth analysis.
- Providing personalized executive coaching to enhance leadership skills and decision-making.
We provide objective, confidential feedback and act as neutral mediators, guiding leadership and governance boards toward strategic alignment and institutional advancement. Through our coaching and assessment processes, we ensure leadership actions are aligned with the long-term goals of the institution.
Contact Us
David Bauer, Ph.D.
Director, Casagrande Institute for Higher Education Effectiveness
djbauer@viterbo.edu
608-796-3617