Dr. Georita M. Frierson began June 1 as provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Southern Maine, the Portland college known for its extensive online course offerings.
A clinical psychologist by training, Frierson most recently served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In that position, she chaired a campus committee focused on institutional sustainability as part of Seton Hall’s strategic plan. Frierson also raised more than $2.8 million through philanthropic initiatives and developed new programs in applied physics, engineering and health sciences.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Dr. Frierson to our university community, and I look forward to partnering with her on key initiatives that will enhance USM’s academic growth and standing. She brings expertise that will help us to strategically advance key initiatives and programs,” said University of Southern Maine President Jacqueline Edmondson.
Previously, Frierson served as interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York. She has also chaired the Psychology Department at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, and directed the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at Howard University, the longest-running program of the kind at a historically Black college or university.
Frierson holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology from Hampton University and a master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from The Ohio State University. She completed her residency and post-doctoral studies at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University.
“I am excited to start a new chapter of my academic career at USM,” she said. “I saw a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to social justice and community matters.”
The provost serves as the university’s chief academic officer, responsible for strategic oversight of academic programs, strengthening and enhancing the culture of inquiry and research, ensuring compliance with various accrediting bodies and overseeing academic governance.
Frierson took over from interim provost Adam-Max Tuchinsky, who had served since last summer when Jeannine Diddle Uzzi left to join Adler University.
Traditionally in higher education, the provost position has been a steppingstone towards a college presidency.
