Respected for his authenticity, integrity, vision, exemplary leadership skills, and unique ability for finding intersections that create opportunity, Frandsen brings national experience to the NCAC presidency, having previously served on the NCAA Division III membership committee. He has since been appointed to an NCAA-sponsored working group examining emerging organizational structures resulting from new partnerships between institutions.
In his time at Wittenberg, Frandsen, who joined the University in July 2017, has worked tirelessly to ensure that students learn, grow, and thrive. From investments in new academic programs such as nursing, exercise science, and engineering, to the expansion of career services, hiring of success advisors, and increase in experiential learning opportunities, to the opening of a fully reimagined Health, Wellness, and Athletics Complex, Frandsen is committed to providing a student-first education.
Under Frandsen’s leadership, Wittenberg also successfully completed its historic $100-million “Having Light” Campaign, which generated record levels of giving and alumni participation. Additionally, he has led campus-wide strategic planning and initiated several student success/retention efforts, all designed to advance Wittenberg’s mission and the University’s personalized educational experience for current and future generations.
Prior to his career in higher education, Frandsen worked in corporate finance for global companies in the telecommunication, chemical and electronics industries. Frandsen also coached swimmers, from novice to Olympic Trials qualifiers, at clubs in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Colorado before pursuing his corporate career. He continued to coach part-time occasionally prior to his work in higher education.
Frandsen earned his Ph.D. in management, with an emphasis on strategic management, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also holds an M.B.A. and B.S. in finance, both from The Pennsylvania State University.
Founded in 1983, the North Coast Athletic Conference consists of nine academically selective colleges and universities - Denison University, DePauw University, Hiram College, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wabash College, Wittenberg University and the College of Wooster along with affiliate members Allegheny College, Earlham College, Transylvania University, and Washington & Jefferson College (field hockey). The conference’s newest members, John Carroll University, begins play in 2025. The NCAC sponsors 23 championship sports, 11 for men and 12 for women.
