TM2 Revival Brings Fresh Approach to HBCU Executive Searches

Dr. Dakota DomanWhen Dr. Dakota Doman attended a Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) HBCU fly-in event in Washington, D.C. in 2023, he wasn’t planning to resurrect a defunct executive search firm. But after conversations with more than 30 HBCU presidents who all cited talent recruitment and retention as their biggest challenge, Doman saw an opportunity to fill a critical need in the HBCU community.

That chance encounter led to the rebirth of TM², a subsidiary of TMCF focused exclusively on executive searches and talent solutions for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The firm, which officially relaunched in January 2024, has already completed nearly 50 searches in its first year of operation – far exceeding its initial goal of 10.

The revival of TM² reflects TMCF’s broader commitment to strengthening HBCU leadership pipelines. “Realigning TM² to enhance the leadership initiatives for our member schools at the executive level is essential to the future of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) and the students they serve,” says Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF. 

Williams points to the unique challenges of HBCU leadership as a key driver behind the firm’s relaunch. “Higher education leadership is challenging on every campus and HBCUs can face unique circumstances, including stabilization at every level of leadership,” he explains. “TM² is solely dedicated to finding the next generation of leaders equipped to address the ever-changing environment of HBCU executive leadership.”

That mission has excited Doman, who serves as managing partner and executive director of TM².

“I feel like I’m living the dream,” says Doman. “It’s insane to me where I look back 10 years ago, saying ‘Hey, I would love to do this thing,’ and the thing didn’t even exist, and then it existed, and it went away. And now it’s back.”

Seeing The Vision
The journey to this moment began during Doman’s own career in higher education. Despite earning a biochemistry degree at Lamar University with parental expectations of medical school, Doman found his true calling in student affairs. Working in the student union as an undergraduate led to leadership roles, eventually guiding him toward a career in higher education administration.