Spelman Johnson is pleased to announce that two new search associates, Michel Frendian and Laura Puckett-Boler, will soon join our growing team! With decades of experience as higher education executive administrators, Michel and Laura have a deep understanding of how to partner with institutions through the process of hiring their next leaders. Laura and Michel will join Spelman Johnson at upcoming conferences and events – please come say hello!
Michel Frendian received his BS from the University of South Carolina and his EdM from Oregon State University. He comes to Spelman Johnson after serving as dean of enrollment management at Erikson Institute in Chicago, preceded by two years in the director position. Michel has accumulated over 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, including roles as vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at San Francisco Art Institute, director of international affairs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and residential life positions at DePaul University, Elmhurst College, and Occidental College. Michel served on the National Deans and Directors of Social Work Admissions board of directors. He served as president of the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO), vice president of the Western Association of College and University Housing Officers (WACUHO), and he held committee leadership roles with American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I). He has been an active member and presenter on graduate enrollment management and digital marketing trends at the annual meetings of the National Association of Graduate Admission Professionals (NAGAP). Michel is looking forward to his new position, “I am honored and energized to join the Spelman Johnson team, a group that I’ve long admired for their professionalism, creativity and impact.” You can reach Michel at Spelman Johnson as of January 28.
Laura Puckett-Boler earned her undergraduate degree at Berry College in Georgia, and completed her MEd and PhD coursework at the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining Spelman Johnson, Laura most recently served as vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She served in numerous roles over her 28 years with USC Upstate, including director of student activities, director of student life, dean of students and assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. Laura began her higher education career, spanning over 30 years, as student activities program coordinator at Texas Christian University, followed by an assignment as assistant director of university activities at Fairfield University in Connecticut. She is an active member of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), ACPA, and the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA). Laura joins Spelman Johnson on February 11 and is excited to join the team, “I am so looking forward to partnering with colleges and institutions to find their next great leaders.”