About Us

Empowering Excellence in Higher Education

Valentine, Hooper, and Stitts Higher Education Consulting

At Valentine, Hooper, and Stitts Higher Education Consulting (VHS Consulting), we partner with colleges and universities to strengthen leadership, elevate academic quality, and enhance student success. Our team of seasoned educators and administrators brings decades of experience in higher education leadership, accreditation, and institutional growth.

Our mission is to empower higher education institutions to achieve excellence through leadership development, innovative program design, and student-centered strategies.

Who We Are

VHS Consulting was founded by Dr. Peggy Valentine, Dr. Celia Hooper, and Dr. Doria “Kathy” Stitts—three distinguished higher education leaders united by a shared mission: to empower institutions through innovation, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.
With over a century of combined experience in academic leadership, accreditation, and faculty development, our founders understand the unique challenges facing higher education today. We bring practical, proven strategies that help universities align their programs, strengthen leadership capacity, and enhance student achievement.

What We Do

At VHS Consulting, we deliver customized solutions that address institutional needs at every level—leadership, faculty, programs, and students.
Our Core Services Include:

leadership

Leadership Development

Coaching for new department chairs, program directors, and deans.

Faculty Development

Teaching, publishing, and tenure readiness support.

Academic Program Review

Self-study preparation, mock reviews, and improvement plans.

Student Success Services

Student Success Services

Strategies to improve retention, certification outcomes, and graduation rates.

Tailored Consulting Services

Resume coaching, leadership application prep, and advancement mentoring.

One-On-One Consultation

We individualize services that enhance performance to promote academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, and long-term success.

Meet Our Founders

Peggy Valentine

Dr. Peggy Valentine – Co Founder

Professor Emerita
Howard & Winston-Salem State Universities

Celia Hooper

Dr. Celia R. Hooper – Co Founder

Dean Emerita
UNC Greensboro

Kathy Stitts

Dr. Doria “Kathy” Stitts – Co Founder

Higher Education
Administrator & Consultant

Why Institutions Choose VHS Consulting

  • Over 100 years of combined leadership experience
  • Proven success in accreditation and restructuring
  • National and international consulting reach
  • Personalized, results-oriented strategies

Our consulting approach blends strategic insight with practical implementation. Whether guiding accreditation readiness, developing leaders, or improving student success, VHS Consulting provides tailored solutions that deliver measurable results.

Valentine, Hooper, and Stitts Higher Education Consulting (VHS Consulting)