Dr. Katherine L. Friesen is a dedicated and accomplished educator with a distinguished higher education and leadership development career. Dr. Friesen holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Higher Education from Iowa State University, where she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Applied Research in the Human Sciences. Her dissertation, “Exploring the Organizational Emergence of Academic Leadership Programs”, reflects her deep commitment to advancing leadership education. She also possesses a Master of Leadership Studies from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a minor in Leadership Studies from Kansas State University.

Dr. Friesen serves as an Assistant Professor and the M.Ed. Program Coordinator at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This role and her work with Apogee Leaders, LLC are framed by her extensive experience and expertise, and she is excited to bring her passion for leader and leadership development and interdisciplinary learning to our esteemed faculty. She looks forward to inspiring and guiding academicians, administrators, and students’ academic journeys through her critical work for educational environments.

Previously, Dr. Friesen served as the Director of First Year Experience and an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at William Woods University. In her role, she coordinated and taught a first-year seminar course, developed a curriculum, and oversaw the summer bridge program to support students’ transition from high school to college. She fostered a collaborative, university-wide approach to enhancing the first-year experience, focusing on student retention, success, sense of belonging, and satisfaction.

Dr. Friesen’s professional journey is marked by her dedication to fostering academic excellence and leadership development. Her extensive experience in curriculum development, program coordination, and research has equipped her with a robust skill set to influence and shape the future of higher education. Her commitment to faculty and student success, innovative teaching methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration underscores her role as a leader and educator in the academic community.