Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Stephen F. Austin State University has named a new vice president for student affairs.
Dr. Brandon Frye, who currently serves as associate vice president for academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida, will join the SFA staff on Feb. 4 and will lead the student affairs division, which comprises student programs and services, including housing, student engagement, counseling and wellness.
After conducting a national search for the position, Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president, said Frye’s 20 years of student affairs experience will be essential in advancing SFA’s mission and supporting student engagement, health, wellness and retention.
“Dr. Frye will serve as an advocate for students,” Gordon said. “He will be charged with developing and facilitating high-quality programs and services and effective business practices that support student learning and post-college success.”
Frye will provide direct leadership for departments across campus that are designed to attract potential students, enhance student development, promote retention and enrich the educational experience for all students.
The hire comes at a pivotal moment in SFA’s history, Gordon said, as the university prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary while strategically managing the currently disruptive higher education environment.
“The work ahead will require a strategic framework for student success and community engagement that provides a fully integrated student experience,” Gordon said. “We look forward to collaborating with Dr. Frye and the student affairs team in providing transformational experiences that support, engage and empower students to succeed.”
At the University of West Florida, Frye also serves as dean of students and deputy Title IX coordinator and manages a $14.5 million budget. In 2019, he played an executive-level role in developing UWF’s Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs and also provided leadership for $2.1 million in construction and enhancement projects for the University Commons facility.
Frye provided leadership in developing and implementing the university’s COVID-19 response and return-to-campus plan for students. Additionally, he serves as an affiliate instructor for the Master of Education program in College Student Affairs Administration.
Previously, Frye provided institutional leadership in areas including student development, crisis response, diversity programming and student conduct at Auburn University from 2010 through 2013 and aided in student success and engagement efforts while working in student conduct and fraternity and sorority life programs at the University of Georgia from 2001 until 2010.
In addition to serving as vice president of the board of directors for Pike University, the leadership and educational curriculum foundation for the Pi Kappa Alpha international fraternity, Frye is the university delegate for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Frye said he was drawn to SFA because of its strategic plan and focus on creating transformational student experiences.
“I am excited about joining the Stephen F. Austin team, and I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders to enhance student development, engagement, well-being, belonging, success, and post-college employment,” he said. “Dr. Gordon’s values, passion, and commitment to student success aligned well with my educational philosophy and vision for student affairs.”
Frye received his doctorate in student affairs administration from the University of Georgia, as well as a master’s degree in student development and a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Appalachian State University. He participated in an educational management symposium at Harvard University in 2019.
Frye will replace Dr. Steve Westbrook, who retired from SFA in December 2020.