Eastern Michigan University has named Jennifer Kellman Fritz has been named dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at Eastern Michigan Unveristy in Ypsilanti.
Fritz, a professor in the school of social work at Eastern, has been serving as interim dean of CHHS since January. Her appointment follows a national search, initiated after the retirement of Murali Nair.
Fritz has a career of more than 20 years at Eastern Michigan University, serving as interim associate dean, director of the school of social work from 2018-2022, and holding academic instructional positions in social work dating back to 1999.
“Dr. Kellman Fritz brings exciting vision and deep experience in academe and practice to this role. She most recently served as the Interim Dean for the College from December-May,” says Rhonda Longworth, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs at Eastern Michigan University. “She is also a professor in the School of Social Work. In her short time in that role, she has already been instrumental in forming a set of innovative collaborative partnerships with regional health care organizations, community college partners and EMU to facilitate the post COVID recovery of health care professionals and organizations.”
“The EMU College of Health and Human Services is committed to preparing students for careers to meet essential health care and human services needs in our community and beyond,” says Fritz. “I feel privileged to work with my colleagues, our students, the alumni, and community partners to support, further, and sustain CHHS’s collaborative and innovative programs. Attention to the emerging needs of these fields and ensuring students’ real-world success will be a top priority as I work to create a community in which all can thrive.”
Fritz earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a Master of Social Work, a master’s of sociology, and a doctorate in social work and sociology – all from the University of Michigan. She also has a macro and clinical social work license in the state of Michigan.
The search committee was chaired by Steven Pernecky, interim associate provost and associate vice president of graduate studies and research; faculty members Marguerite DeBello, Celeste Hawkins, Chris Herman, Aaron Struminger, and Sarah Walsh.
Fritz’s appointment was effective June 1, subject to approval by the EMU Board of Regents. Her annual salary will be $233,000.
