Opening Convocation
Speaker: Michael L. Frandsen
President, Wittenberg University
- Aug. 22, 2017, 11:45 a.m.
- Weaver Chapel
Respected for his authenticity, integrity, vision, exemplary leadership skills and unique ability for finding intersections that create opportunity, Dr. Michael Frandsen was named Wittenberg's 15th president on Feb. 10, 2017. He began his tenure on July 1, 2017.
The unanimous choice of the Wittenberg University Board of Directors, Frandsen brings a breadth and depth of experience to Wittenberg’s highest post having spent more than 10 years in corporate finance before pursuing his current 18-year career in higher education as both a professor and senior-level administrator, including serving as interim president of Albion College from 2013-2014 and most recently as vice president of finance and administration at Oberlin College.
He leads with a thorough understanding of the rhythms and culture of the academy and the importance of shared governance, the power of an integrated, residential experience, the art and science of enrollment, marketing and fundraising, and the role of community-building in long-term institutional success.
A native of State College, Pa., Frandsen earned his B.A. in finance with distinction and his M.B.A. in quantitative business analysis with honors from The Pennsylvania State University, and his Ph.D. in management from the University of Texas at Austin.
He and wife, Sharon, are the proud parents of two grown daughters, Janie, a doctoral student at The Ohio State University, and Kate, who will graduate from Albion College later this fall.
Frandsen’s inauguration has been scheduled for Thursday, April 5, 2018, as a lead-in event for Wittenberg’s annual Celebration of Learning and Honors Convocation. Additional events highlighting Wittenberg’s tradition of excellence in the arts and athletics are also expected to round out the celebratory week next spring.