admin Dr. Jennifer DeCoste is an accomplished leadership strategist and President of ACT Executive Coaching, where she applies more than 25 years of expertise in education, organizational development, and executive leadership. Known for her dynamic approach to guiding senior leaders, she has helped transform leadership cultures across higher education through tailored coaching, strategic visioning, and diversity-driven initiatives.
Earning her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction / Gender Studies from Penn State University, Dr. DeCoste brings a distinctive blend of scholarly rigor and practical insight to her work. Her career includes influential leadership roles such as Senior Vice President at RW Jones Agency, Vice President for Leadership Strategies at Credo Higher Education Consulting, and service as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer. These positions have honed her ability to bridge academic priorities with operational excellence.
“Executive coaching is not about fixing weaknesses; it’s about unlocking strengths that transform leaders and institutions.”
– Dr. Jennifer DeCoste
A Journey Defined by Purpose and Expertise
Dr. DeCoste’s professional journey reflects a rare combination of academic rigor and hands-on leadership experience. Holding a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction / Gender Studies from Penn State University, she brings scholarly depth to every coaching engagement. Her academic foundation fuels a coaching style that is both intellectually grounded and action-oriented.
Her career trajectory includes transformative leadership roles such as Senior Vice President at RW Jones Agency and Vice President for Leadership Strategies at Credo Higher Education Consulting. In these positions, she advised senior leaders on strategic planning, organizational change, and leadership development.
She also served as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer, championing initiatives that advanced equity, inclusion, and institutional growth. These roles honed her ability to integrate diversity values into leadership practices, ensuring that institutions not only adapt but also thrive in diverse academic landscapes.
The Power of Executive Coaching in Academia
Higher education leadership requires a distinct skill set that extends beyond administrative capabilities. Through ACT Executive Coaching, Dr. DeCoste empowers leaders to achieve sustainable behavioral change, improve strategic decision-making, and enhance organizational performance.
Her work is supported by decades of research demonstrating the effectiveness of executive coaching. Leaders who engage in this process report lasting improvements in adaptability, communication, and performance, critical factors in guiding institutions through change.
Dr. DeCoste’s coaching focuses on key areas such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and strategic clarity. By aligning personal leadership growth with institutional goals, she helps clients unlock potential that directly impacts organizational success.
Driving Measurable Impact
In an era where return on investment is paramount, Dr. DeCoste’s coaching delivers tangible results. Research indicates that executive coaching can yield returns up to six times the initial investment, a finding reflected in the success stories of her clients.
Her methods have helped leaders strengthen decision-making processes, foster high-performing teams, and implement transformative institutional strategies. These outcomes not only benefit individual leaders but also create a ripple effect across entire organizations, influencing culture, performance, and long-term vision.
Emotional Intelligence as a Leadership Cornerstone
In her coaching philosophy, emotional intelligence is not an optional skill; it is the foundation of effective leadership. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, build trust, and foster collaboration.
Through targeted coaching interventions, Dr. DeCoste helps leaders cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and communication skills that drive both personal and institutional success. This focus on human-centered leadership is particularly valuable in academia, where relationships and collaboration shape outcomes.
Building a Culture of Leadership Growth
Beyond individual coaching, Dr. DeCoste advocates for creating a coaching culture within institutions. This involves integrating coaching principles into leadership development programs, encouraging peer-to-peer mentoring, and fostering an environment where growth is continuous.
By embedding coaching into the fabric of higher education institutions, leaders at all levels gain access to tools and perspectives that enhance adaptability and innovation. This culture shift not only prepares current leaders for today’s challenges but also nurtures the next generation of academic leadership.
“In higher education, the ability to adapt and inspire is what sets great leaders apart.”
– Dr. Jennifer DeCoste
A Vision for the Future of Higher Education Leadership
As higher education continues to evolve, Dr. DeCoste envisions a future where leadership agility and inclusivity drive institutional success. She believes that executive coaching will remain an essential resource for leaders navigating uncertainty, inspiring innovation, and achieving sustainable excellence.
Her mission through ACT Executive Coaching is clear: to equip higher education leaders with the mindset, skills, and strategies to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage.
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