Dr. Joel Frater Selected as Next VP of Student Affairs

After a national search that yielded a strong, diverse, and deep candidate pool, I am pleased to share that on July 1, Dr. Joel Frater will be joining NOVA as the Vice President of Student Affairs.

With a background of three decades in higher education, Dr. Frater is eminently qualified for this position and impressed the search committee and the NOVA community. In addition to praising his broad and valuable experience, those who met with Dr. Frater remarked on the clarity of his communication style, his authenticity and emotional intelligence, his student-centered focus, his approachability, and the depth of his understanding of and appreciation for the work of Student Affairs staff and professionals.

Dr. Frater shared his enthusiasm about becoming part of the NOVA community, “I am excited yet humbled to be joining NOVA, an institution that exemplifies quality at all levels. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the College community for the opportunity to serve our remarkable students. I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional professionals in Student Affairs and throughout the institution to elevate the vital work of promoting student success and achieving equitable outcomes for all students.”

Dr. Frater holds an EdD in Sport and Recreation Administration and an EdM in Therapeutic Recreation, both from Temple University (PA); a BS in Recreation Management from Cheyney University (PA); and a Diploma in Physical Education and Certificate in Primary Education from institutions in Jamaica. He was also an American Council on Education Fellow, completed Harvard’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education, and received the Certified Strategic Planner designation from the Society of College and University Planners (SCUP).

He began his higher education career as a tenured faculty member in Recreation and Leisure Studies at SUNY’s College at Brockport. Dr. Frater went on to chair that department and direct its graduate program, serve as Director of the Institute for Engaged Learning, and serve as Assistant Provost for Diversity. He left Brockport to join Monroe Community College as the inaugural Executive Dean of the college’s Downtown Campus, providing leadership for all aspects of campus life, including operations and academic/student programming. Dr. Frater then became the inaugural Dean of Student Services for Rochester Regional Health’s College of Health Careers, a hospital-affiliated health sciences college.

Dr. Frater has been an active and engaged member of the higher education community. He regularly presents and publishes, has served on advisory committees for the American Council on Education and the Society of College and University Planners, led accreditation processes, served as an assigned mentor for graduate leadership programs, and served on faculty senate. Dr. Frater has also been an active community member, serving on numerous boards and advisory councils associated with Rochester (NY) government, arts and business interests. He has been honored by the College at Brockport, Temple University, and the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations, among other groups.

I know you join me in welcoming Dr. Joel Frater as NOVA’s Vice President for Student Affairs and in thanking the search committee, chaired by Woodbridge Provost Richmond Hill, for their time, deliberation, and diligence throughout this successful search process.

Once again, I express my deepest gratitude to acting Vice President Dr. Beatrice McKeithen for her outstanding leadership of the division. Her dedication to our students, our Student Affairs team, and our College has always been exceptional, and her willingness to step up into this interim role has been greatly appreciated. Thank you, Dr. McKeithen!

Sincerely,

Anne