Southwestern College Announces Selection of 20th President
Winfield, Kan., April 8, 2022 — The Southwestern College Board of
Trustees is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Elizabeth Frombgen as the
college’s 20th President.
Frombgen, a political scientist, professor, and administrator with more
than 20 years of experience in higher education, will succeed President Brad
Andrews who accepted a presidency at Brevard College in North Carolina.
“Liz is a smart, energetic leader, and an empathetic listener whose
vision and values are right in step with those of Southwestern,” says Chair of
the Board of Trustees, Kim Moore. “It’s clear that students are at the very
heart of her decision-making. She is focused on fulfilling the college’s
promise to each student and in doing so honoring the power and value of a
liberal arts education. She is keenly aware and appreciative of the mission and
day-to-day operation of a religiously affiliated private college with
residential and professional online offerings, such as ours. With her
experience and guiding values, Liz is the right president for Southwestern
College. She will do great work to lead Southwestern forward."
Currently vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at
Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., Frombgen earned her Ph.D. and master of arts
degree in political science from
Purdue
University and her bachelor of arts degree from Western Washington University.
She was on faculty at Hastings College from 2001 to 2012, serving as a
professor and department chair before accepting the role of associate vice
president for academic affairs, a position she held until 2017 when she
accepted the position at Thiel.
Frombgen has a deep love for the unique spirit and potential exhibited by
smaller liberal arts colleges like Southwestern.
“The transformational experience Southwestern offers, rooted in the
tradition of liberal arts is more important than ever,” said Frombgen.
“Students at Southwestern learn in the classroom, through experiential
programs, and participation in a diverse range of activities. On their way to
graduation, students make meaning of every experience and relationship. During
the interview process, it was evident that at Southwestern students are
treasured by their faculty and staff and that care is reciprocated by students.
It seems simple, but to be in a place where everyone cares deeply for each
other, for others' happiness and success – that is truly special. I am excited
to be a part of the Builder family.”
The search committee, composed of trustees, faculty, staff, and the
current Student
Government
President considered many applicants from a deep and diverse pool of highly
accomplished leaders before bringing three finalists to campus in late March.
Frombgen was confirmed by the board after a six-month, nationwide search. The
firm EFL Associates provided executive search services during the process.
“Dr. Frombgen was immediately recognized by the search committee as
someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the operation of a college like
ours. She is a leader who celebrates the potential in every student and who
will work day in and day out to constantly improve their experience, both on
campus and through the college’s professional studies online programs,” said
Mike Lennen, trustee, chair of the presidential search committee.
Frombgen was looking for an opportunity to return to the Midwest to lead
a small liberal arts college in a close-knit community. In Southwestern, she
found many attractive attributes, but most importantly the college’s values and
priorities closely align with her own.
“I was drawn to the college’s recognizable commitment to community and
connection on an increasingly diverse college campus,” said Frombgen.
“Southwestern is a supportive community of teachers and learners who not only
want to explore ideas, but who want to do the work to make the world a better
place.”
During her time at Thiel, Frombgen collaborated with faculty and staff on
strategic planning, curriculum revision, and program development. She has
played an integral role in securing significant private and grant funding to
bolster programs and update facilities. Frombgen is known for building robustly
cooperative relationships with alumni and the community that strengthen the
institutions she has served.
Frombgen will begin work at Southwestern on July 1. She and her husband,
Doug Kinnear, look forward to moving to Winfield with their dogs early this
summer. They have one daughter, Lana, who was recently accepted to a Ph.D.
program in Colorado.
“I know that Liz and her husband, Doug, will get right to work developing
relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community of
Winfield when they arrive on campus this summer. They are wonderfully warm
people,” said Moore. “Liz is well situated to confidently embrace the
opportunities that lay ahead for our college. We are excited and grateful to
move forward with her as our president.”
