Jennifer Friend

Dr. Jennifer Friend joined Wichita State University in 2023. She is an inclusive and transformative educational leader with 30 years of professional experience in higher education and K-12 schools. Dr. Friend formerly served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Education at Rockhurst University. Previous leadership roles at University of Missouri-Kansas City for Dr. Friend included Associate Dean in the School of Graduate Studies, Director of the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Preparing Future Faculty, and Educational Leadership programs, Interim Deputy Provost, and Interim Director for Assessment. Dr. Friend's professional experience in K-12 education involved positions as a middle school principal and secondary language arts teacher. As a tenured Professor of Education, Dr. Friend's teaching and research incorporated technology and arts-based inquiry to explore educational leadership, student voice, and issues of social justice and diversity in United States education.