Jennifer Kellman Fritz has been appointed Dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at Eastern Michigan University.
With plans to build on the programs in the CHHS over the next couple of years, Fritz is committed to EMU’s diversity, students, and faculty, and the building of its community.
“I'm going to spend the next couple of years really focusing on these goals of highlighting the programs,” Fritz said. “That includes building on the strengths of our programs and examining the weaknesses that the programs might have so that everyone can be strong.”
Fritz also plans to put a focus on recruitment and the retention of students.
“We have five schools and so many programs here in the college,” Fritz said. “I think that we need to put ourselves out there more, and I want to be able to do that. On the importance of retention, however, as much as recruiting is important, I really want to focus on the students that we have now and mentor them so that they're successful.”
Fritz has been appointed dean after a national search. She has an educational background in social work and sociology, including a PhD, MSW, and MA. She started at EMU as a part time lecturer in 1999 and has been at the university ever since.
She became a professor in the School of Social Work in 2005, eventually becoming the interim associate dean of the CHHS. She then served as the interim dean before being appointed to her current position as the dean.
One of EMU’s student leaders Roberto Frausto Jr. spoke with all of the CHHS dean applicants. Frausto had much to say about their discussion with Fritz.
“She had a lot of plans that had the ability to potentially improve things around the college, but just didn't have the official legitimacy to act on them,” Frausto said. “But now it's something that is wholly within her domain.”
Frausto has had personal experience with Fritz. The two worked together when Frausto interned for the Halle Social Justice Committee back in mid-March when Fritz was the interim dean.
“She is very good at connecting with people personally,” Frausto said.
Frausto also described her as “frank and direct.”
“I think those are refreshing traits,” Frausto said. “Particularly for members of the faculty who just have this supportive person role as a dean. She is someone who is approachable and able to provide feedback in a way that isn't going to be like a stressor in itself,” Frausto said.
More: Ypsilanti District Library announces annual Summer Challenge | The Eastern Echo
