Leah Frierson

Leah provides leadership for the Student Academic Affairs division of the College Office in Arts & Sciences. In her newly created role, in collaboration with the vice dean and office leadership, she is responsible for setting the vision and priorities for the Student Academic Affairs division, which provides academic advising, as well as student programming and services to Arts & Sciences Students. 

Born and raised just east of St. Louis in Belleville, Ill., Leah has a strong passion for providing holistic student support and advising to students on their academic journey. She has been in higher education for nearly two decades, working in areas such as academic advising, student retention, athletics, as well as competitive academic and leadership development programs for students. Leah is also very active in the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA): She has served on steering committees focused on first-generation and exploratory students, and is a participant in the NACADA Emerging Leaders Program.

Leah received an AA from Southwestern Community College, a BA in Communication Arts with a focus in Broadcast Media, a Masters in Physical Education: Sport Administration, and her EdD in Educational Leadership: Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She welcomes students to reach out and chat with her about their academic interests and future career goals.