I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Friend will be joining Wichita State starting Jan. 9, 2023, as dean of the College of Applied Studies.
Dr. Friend comes to us from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, where she has spent five years, most recently as the associate provost for Academic Affairs and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
She also spent 12 years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and 13 years as a teacher and principal in the Shawnee Mission School District.
Dr. Friend’s focus supports culturally responsive learning, research opportunities and community engagement — with an emphasis on diversity, integrity, collaboration, discovery and leadership.
Those goals, along with her 30 years of experience working in education, make her the perfect fit for Wichita State.
I want to extend my gratitude to the dean’s search committee and to Interim Dean Clay Stoldt, who contributed so much as he served in the interim role for two years.
I can’t wait for Dr. Friend to come on board and begin meeting and working with our campus community.
Sincerely,
Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost
