Friesen named Academic Dean at Huntington College
FOR RELEASE: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Huntington, Ind. " Dr. Norris Friesen has accepted appointment as Vice President and Dean of Huntington College, effective immediately. Since the beginning of last fall, a national search process has taken place while Friesen has served as the Interim Dean of the College. Thirty-six individuals from across the country showed interest in the academic dean position. Of these, nine were selected by the Dean Search Committee to submit application essays and references. Three final candidates were brought to campus for interviews with faculty, staff, administrators, students and trustees.
Throughout this process, Dr. Friesen has demonstrated his unique strengths and fitness for the role of Vice President and Dean of the College, said Huntington College president, Dr. G. Blair Dowden. Dr. Friesen brings to this role exceptional administrative ability, long experience and intimate knowledge of Huntington College, and wide academic interests. I am certain that he will work effectively to build upon an already strong academic program here at Huntington College.
A veteran of the Huntington administration, Friesen became Dean of Student Services in 1985, then was promoted to Vice President for Student Development in 1993. Dr. Friesen earned a bachelor's degree in German from Tabor College, a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Kansas State University and a PhD in Counseling and Student Affairs Administration from Purdue University. Friesen recently led his ninth trip to the Caribbean on a spring break project with a group of Huntington College students.
I believe the academic dean position offers a unique opportunity in which I can blend my student affairs background with the academic pursuits of the institution. My vision is to encourage collaboration among faculty and all facets of the institution, said Dr. Friesen. By creating more opportunities for partnership, I think communication will be enhanced, student learning will be improved, a culture of trust will be promoted and a more collegial atmosphere will be developed. I also believe that the academic dean has the potential not only to help shape and influence the immediate campus milieu, but also the future of the college. I am both challenged and excited about this prospect.
Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 60 academic concentrations. US News & World Report ranks Huntington among the Top 10 comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana.
