Michel R. Frendian
Senior Consultant
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Michel Frendian is a Senior consultant with Spelman Johnson, an executive search firm recognized for its work in identifying and recruiting outstanding leaders in education, advocacy associations, and social impact organizations. Based in Chicago, Michel leads searches across a range of institutional types and administrative functions, with particular depth of practice in student affairs, enrollment management, graduate and professional education, and public safety.
Michel joined Spelman Johnson after 30 years in higher education. He most recently served as dean of enrollment management at Erikson Institute in Chicago. Previously, he served as vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at San Francisco Art Institute, as director of international affairs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and in residential life positions at DePaul University, Elmhurst College, and Occidental College.
Motivated by a deep belief that education and social impact organizations serve the greater public good, Michel is passionate about helping them recruit exceptional leaders. He develops close and effective working relationships with his clients to ensure that he thoroughly understands their mission, strategy, and culture. He is creative and meticulous in crafting searches, building deep candidate pools, and recruiting best-in-class leaders who add great value to their organizations. Clients appreciate his integrity, thoughtful counsel, and attentiveness throughout the search process.
Michel’s most recent board service includes two years with the National Deans and Directors of Social Work Admissions and six years, including a two-year term as board chair, with Positive Parenting DuPage, a regional collaboration that addresses the needs of young children and their families. He was president and annual conference co-chair of the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) and vice president of the Western Association of College and University Housing Officers (WACUHO). He held committee leadership roles with the American College Personnel Association (ACPA); NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Region IV; and the Association of College and University Housing Officers–International (ACUHO-I). Michel was an active member and presenter for the National Association of Graduate Admission Professionals (NAGAP) and served as a mentor in NAGAP’s Mentoring Program. He received his BS in experimental psychology from the University of South Carolina and his EdM in college student services administration from Oregon State University.