Strategic Leadership for Higher Education’s Next Era

Higher education is navigating a period of sustained complexity and change. Edgefield Group partners with institutional leaders to align strategy, structures, and leadership practices—so systems can perform under pressure, not just in principle, but in practice.

What We Do

We provide focused, context-specific support that helps leaders move forward and sustain progress over time.

  • Strategy and organizational consulting

  • Executive and leadership coaching

  • Keynotes and facilitated engagements

Our Services

Our Approach

We translate values into operating reality—aligning strategy, decisions, and leadership so that when pressure is on, strategy guides decisions instead of falling by the wayside.

Our approach blends systems thinking, human-centered leadership, and practical strategy, grounded in real institutional contexts.

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Our Team

Edgefield Group is led by experienced leaders in higher education, organizational design, student success, and executive coaching.

Their work is shaped by decades of hands-on leadership and deep research across complex institutions.

Meet the Team

  • "Dr. Payne-Kirchmeier's keynote set the tone for the entire conference and reminded us why thoughtful, student-centered leadership matters more than ever."

    —Michael Allensworth and Dr. Deanna Wagner, 2025 NASPA Region IV-E Co-Chairs

  • "Julie's approach is thoughtful, disciplined, and rooted in care for both leaders and the students they serve. You will be in excellent hands with Edgefield Group."

    —Dr. Carolyn Golz, Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Success, University of Indianapolis

  • "Edgefield Group helped HEFWA strenghten its role as a convener of institutions committed to student financial wellness. We are better positioned due to their guidance and expertise."

    - Phil Schuman, Executive Director, Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance (HEFWA)

  • "Julie's keynote was a highlight of our annual retreat. Her message was relevant, data-informed, and people-centered, inspiring our staff to challenge the status quo in support of student success."

    —Dr. Rachel E. Aho, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Utah

Strategy in Motion

Design Commitments in Practice: Elon and the High-Impact Practice Standard

Student success improves when institutions embed high-impact practices into required structures, ensuring every student engages in meaningful learning experiences throughout their education.

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Design Commitments in Practice: UT Chattanooga and the Long Game

Student success improves when institutions sustain long-term commitments to aligned systems, proactive support, and structures designed around learner realities.

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Design Commitments in Practice: Student Success at UMF

Student success improves when institutions intentionally design support systems around learner realities, ensuring every student has pathways to persist and succeed.

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Let’s Talk!

Working with Edgefield begins with a conversation. If you’re navigating complexity or facing decisions without clear answers, we’re ready to listen.

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