Clarity and Confidence for Higher Ed Leaders Writing their Next Chapter

I help higher education leaders navigate career transitions and establish themselves in new roles.

Ilene Crawford PhD, Principal

With 30 years of experience as a faculty member, program director, Fulbright scholar, and senior academic leader, I understand the pressures and expectations you face. As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) member coach, I partner with you to define success and move toward it with purpose and integrity through individualized coaching, small-group coaching, and cohort-based leadership development.

I also take on select consulting projects for institutional partners supporting strategic planning and team development.

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Learn more about me

  • “I needed a coach who could help me get clarity about what my core values are and how to use that knowledge to prioritize my work. Working with Ilene is building my confidence in myself as a purposeful decision maker during a challenging first year in a new role.”

    Interim Provost, Liberal Arts College, Midwest US

  • "Ilene helped me to thoroughly and critically think about situations and my actions in a safe environment. She served as a trusted and strategic partner, holding me accountable and encouraging my growth and reflection. Her strengths include deep understanding of higher ed, active listening and thoughtful reframing to help me determine the best options/solutions, and excellent post-session summaries that are reassuring and confidence building. "

    Dean, College of Health and Human Services, Public University, Northeast, US

  • "Ilene’s consistency and flexibility made her an incredible partner to work with. She created a supportive space for accountability, and her ability to adapt and pivot in response to whatever I brought into each session was truly invaluable. I always felt guided, supported, and empowered through her thoughtful approach. I began coaching feeling a real gap in my self-knowledge, and I left with a clear sense of direction and meaningful paths to pursue."

    Executive Director, Private 4-Year College, Southeast US

  • "Ilene is a careful listener. I found both my individual meetings with Ilene and my meetings with her as a part of a group of faculty leaders very helpful to my personal growth, and I gained the confidence to successfully apply for administrative roles."

    Professor, R2 University, Northeast US

  • "In a short series of sessions, Ilene helped me improve the mechanics of my practice and better understand how I process information. She has a wonderful coaching presence that allows a client to feel relaxed and enables them to focus."

    Associate Professor, R1 University, Southeast US

Why leaders at all levels seek coaching

Whether you’re guiding a team, navigating a complex role, managing a transition, or seeking renewed purpose in your work, coaching creates the space to reflect, prioritize, and act. Together, we’ll co-create a personalized plan that helps you identify your strengths, understand your agency, and work toward meaningful goals.

As your coach, I ask the questions that help you see the possibilities and create your own solutions. I’m here to help you build on your strengths and gain the confidence you need to achieve your full potential, wherever that takes you.

Book a free consultation

Coaching for you or your team

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    1:1 Coaching

    Individualized support over 3-9 months to strengthen your decision-making, leadership presence, and ability to navigate complex challenges.

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    Coaching Sprints

    Short-term, action-oriented support over 1-3 months to help you move a critical project or decision across the finish line.

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    Small Group Coaching

    Peer-based support for teams or groups working toward shared goals or major milestones. Includes 1:1 coaching for each member.

See how coaching works

Consulting support for your institutional priorities

While coaching is the core of my work, many clients encounter organizational questions that benefit from targeted consulting support. I take on a limited number of consulting projects for institutional clients each year in areas such as assessment, curriculum, accreditation, program review, strategic planning, and team development.

View Select Consulting Services
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This cohort-based leadership development series draws inspiration from Athena’s blend of strength and wisdom. Through assessments, case studies, and guided reflection, you’ll build your capacity in areas such as communication, conflict management, finance, and decision-making. Spring and fall cohorts; limited to 25 participants.

Grow as a leader through the Wise Warrior Seminar

Learn about the Wise Warrior Seminar

Let’s talk about your leadership journey.

Book a free consultation