Norris Friesen

nfriesen@huntington.edu

Dr. Norris Friesen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in German from Tabor College (Kansas), a Master of Science degree in higher education administration from Kansas State University, and a PhD in counseling and student affairs administration from Purdue University. In his doctoral work at Purdue, Dr. Friesen focused on career development theory and counseling. He was named vice president for student development emeritus in 2020 in recognition of his significant contribution of 35 years at Huntington University.

Dr. Friesen served the institution as vice president for student development, vice president and dean of the faculty, and professor of German. Friesen taught German and counseling courses in the HU graduate program. His other academic interests include conflict mediation and contemporary Christian thought. In 2013, Friesen was named director of volunteer service and outreach ministry and professor of German. In this role, he advised the Friesen Center for Volunteer Service and directed the peer-to-peer ministry program.

In 2013, the Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service was renamed the Friesen Center for Experiential Learning and Volunteer Service in honor of Dr. Friesen’s commitment to providing volunteer service opportunities for students. Friesen has served on several boards, including Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Christian Service International, and Tabor College. He and his wife, Grace, have two children and six grandchildren. He is active in the College Park United Brethren in Christ Church and the Huntington Mennonite Fellowship.