Bridgewater College names new Dean of Students

Following an extensive national search, Bridgewater College has selected Dr. Leslie Frere to join the College as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.

Frere, who comes to Bridgewater with an extensive background in higher education counseling and administration, will begin onJuly 1, 2016. She currently works at Saint Joseph’s College in Indiana, where she is Vice President for Student Development. During her ten years of increasing responsibility at Saint Joseph’s College, she provided supervision to all areas of a successful Student Development Department, focusing on professional development training for the staff and acting as a “student advocate” at all times.

“We have selected a leader of student life who will bring to the department her energy and passion for serving students,” said Bridgewater College President Dr. David Bushman. “She will be an excellent member of our leadership team as we build on a strong foundation to create the Bridgewater College of tomorrow.”

“During my time on campus, it was evident that both Bridgewater’s people and culture exemplify values of integrity, equality, service and community,” said Frere. “Those characteristics resonate for me and are at the center of the work that I do with students. I am delighted and honored to contribute to the growth of Bridgewater College as an institution that places an emphasis on providing transformative learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Prior to taking over leadership of student development at Saint Joseph’s College, Dr. Frere served as Director of Counseling and Health Services at Saint Joseph’s College. Previously, she worked in counseling at the University of Tennessee and West Virginia University. Dr. Frere has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and an M.A. in counseling from West Virginia University. She received her Bachelor’s in psychology from The College of William and Mary.

Bridgewater College is a private, four-year liberal arts college located in the Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Founded in 1880, it was the state’s first private, coeducational college. Today, Bridgewater College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduate students.