As a widely recognized and respected higher education expert with 25+ years of experience in university administration and consulting, Mike Spivey is a trusted advisor to universities, colleges, and law schools.
Before founding Spivey Consulting, Mike was a senior administrator at the law schools of Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Colorado, where he developed national recognition for improving admissions, employment, external outreach, and rankings strategies. He is widely regarded as the foremost expert in understanding the impact that college and law school rankings have on higher education.
Mike has been highlighted in The Chronicle of Higher Education for his forward-thinking efforts as a law school senior administrator, and has been interviewed as an expert in higher education by news organizations including these and more:
He is a former Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) faculty member for new admissions professionals and served as an Advisory Board Member for Lexis Nexis. He has also served on the board of both a non-profit and tech start-up. Mike was honored and is an inductee of The Blackburn Society for demonstrating ethics and leadership in his career.
Mike has significant experience writing and speaking in the areas of higher education, admissions, motivation, and emotional wellness.
A former athlete, Mike was twice invited by the Cleveland Indians to participate in professionally scouted tryouts and recruited to play baseball, football, and track in college. Mike was a Philosophy major at Vanderbilt University, MBA graduate from the University of Alabama, and Doctoral Student in Higher Education Leadership at Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt University. He now spends his spare time hiking the mountains around Boulder, Colorado with his dog and running 5k and 10k races.
As a parent and business professional, I am deeply compelled to share my experience with anyone considering using Spivey Consulting.
Mike was a Dean at Washington University when my son attended law school there during the “Great Recession.” My son wanted to practice law in Boston and Mike specifically flew to the area and met with a number of law firms — which ultimately helped open a door for my son to land a position at an elite Boston Firm. Mike took personal interest in placing his students when most law schools across the nation were being shut out due to the hiring freeze of the time.
For admissions help, this year we called Mike because our daughter was wait listed at her dream school. While not making any guarantees, Mike did make a promise. That he would commit himself to do everything he could on her behalf. Today she was admitted.
I write this testimonial because far too often I have heard similar promises in life — only to receive a follow up email or call with a litany of reasons when things didn’t work out. But this was different. Mike spoke to us during this process with calm confidence, an exhaustive knowledge of the process, and with palpable commitment to my daughter. And he delivered.
It is rare to find this type of sincere commitment and passion to delivering results in the business world. But we have found that with Mike and Spivey Consulting twice now. I hope that others reach out to Spivey Consulting, because I think you will see the same dedication and personal attention that my family has seen. And I know firsthand how important this process is.
With years of admissions experience and a personalized approach, we are here to guide you through the process and help you present your strongest application. Reach out today to get started.
