EMU Today

YPSILANTI, Mich.  – Eastern Michigan University has named Jennifer Kellman Fritz dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS).

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.

Eastern Michigan University Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Rhonda Longworth announced the appointment. “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. 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 She has also fostered new international relationships that will further diversify the college's student population and deepen conversations around access to health care.”

Fritz said, “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. 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’s of social work, a master’s of sociology, and a doctorate in social work and sociology – all from the University of Michigan.

Her research interests include criminal and juvenile justice, mentoring, child welfare and service learning. She is currently the project director for the Washtenaw County Criminal Justice Reentry Unit, and is a member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She also has a macro and clinical social work license in the state of Michigan. 

Longworth acknowledged the outstanding work of the search committee, chaired by Steven Pernecky, interim associate provost and associate vice president of graduate studies and research, and including faculty members Marguerite DeBello, Celeste Hawkins, Chris Herman, Aaron Struminger, and Sarah Walsh.

Fritz’s appointment is effective June 1, subject to approval by the EMU Board of Regents. Her annual salary will be $233,000.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.