Dr. Frank Friedman: Remembering 23 Years at PVCC

Dr. Frank Friedman served as president of PVCC for over 20 years, and in August of 2021, he announced that his retirement would happen in May. Friedman was the fifth president of PVCC and he showed great passion in his position here at the college. “My work at PVCC for the past 23 years hasn’t been work, it has been a labor of love,” said Friedman. 

PVCC had many positive changes during Friedman’s time as president. A variety of programs were introduced to students including eight healthcare and four technology programs. Student enrollment increased by 25% and the number of dual enrollment students grew to 1,500 per semester. The number of PVCC graduates went from 300 students to over 1,000. 

“The credit for these successes lies not only on me but all faculty and staff who helped make it happen,” said Friedman. 

In addition to all of the academic progress that had been made, many of the facilities that students enjoy today were not here until Friedman made them available to us. For example, the Theodore E. and Patt Hart Keats Science Building and PVCC’s Stultz Center for Business and Career Development. Along with that, there was great success in raising funds for the college during Friedman’s time here. Since taking the position in 1999, the PVCC Educational Foundation has obtained a grand total of $27,710,585 in contributions and grants. The foundation has distributed $17,881,734 in support of several college initiatives such as scholarships and academic programs.

Friedman describes the announcement of his retirement as emotional on several different levels. “The emotions varied from pride in what we had accomplished to sadness about stepping away,” said Friedman. He encourages students to stay dedicated to their work and focused on their long-term goals during this upcoming semester. His time serving as president of PVCC will continue to be remembered and appreciated by the college community.