By Kaye Burnet |Asst. News Editor
Douglas Frizzell will take office as Duquesne’s new vice president of student life July 1, replacing the Rev. Father Hogan, who has held the position for almost 30 years.
Frizzell, 53, went through a hiring process that involved video conference call interviews, a visit to the campus and meeting with several student organizations. He is currently the vice president for student affairs at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati.
Hogan said the biggest challenge Frizzell will face as Hogan’s replacement is the demanding schedule that comes with the office.
“There is a constant demand for your presence on campus, talking and meeting with students and parents,” Hogan said.
As vice president of student life, Frizzell will be responsible for many aspects of campus life, including academics, recreational activities, student organizations and residence halls.
“I’m used to it,” Frizzell said with a laugh, in reference to his often busy schedule.
With a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Frizzell is a 30-year veteran of academia. He has held his current job for almost 15 years.
“My passion is really working with students,” Frizzell said about his experience in student affairs. “It’s a big time commitment, but it’s enjoyable.”
Mount St. Joseph has an undergraduate student population of more than 1,500, or about one-fifth the size of Duquesne’s. Frizzell said he is aware of the differences between the school and Duquesne.
“What works well at one school, might not here,” Frizzell said. “Duquesne’s a different place.”
Duquesne sophomore and President of the Professional Fraternity Council Matt Broeren had the opportunity to meet Frizzell and two other candidates. He said Frizzell stood out as someone “down-to-earth” and “humble.”
“You wanted to talk to him,” Broeren said. “You didn’t feel like you were interviewing him. You were just having a conversation.”
Frizzell became aware of the job opening when his daughter Natalie Frizzell, 20, a junior at Duquesne, texted him that Hogan was retiring.
Frizzell said that while he has enjoyed his time at Mount St. Joseph, he is ready for a new challenge.
“I felt like it was time to take my energy to a different institution, and take things from there,” Frizzell said.
Frizzell and his wife Susan have three children: Natalie; Ben, 19; and Evan, 15. Ben attends Mount St. Joseph and Evan is completing his freshman year of high school. Frizzell said his family is busy preparing for their move to Pittsburgh, which will take place over the summer.
After stepping down on July 1, Hogan will become president of the newly-formed Duquesne University Scholarship Association. The association will focus on contacting alumni and donors to establish larger scholarship funds for Duquesne students to reduce the amount of debt students have upon graduating, Hogan said.
