Findlay, Ohio, May 14, 2003 – DeBow Freed, Ph.D., has been appointed president of The University of Findlay, effective June 1, 2003.

In announcing Freed’s appointment, Dr. C. Richard Beckett, chairman of the UF Board of Trustees, said, “The board is most pleased that a person with Dr. Freed’s abilities and background will serve as Findlay’s president. He has been the successful president of two other church-related colleges, and we believe that he will provide strong and effective leadership of The University of Findlay.”

“My wife and I are delighted to be joining The University of Findlay and to be part of the Findlay community,” said Freed. “The University of Findlay has made remarkable progress in the last 20 years. A goal will be to build upon that progress and further strengthen the University for a strong thrust into the future,” said Freed.

“We look forward to being associated with The University of Findlay family. We love a campus environment and anticipate, with much pleasure, our association with faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the community,” he added.

Freed served as president of Ohio Northern University for 20 years, from 1979-99, when he was named president emeritus. During his tenure at ONU, academic and student programs were strengthened, enrollment increased, the budget was balanced each year and the endowment increased from $7 million to $115 million. Several renovation and construction projects were completed, including construction of a performing arts center that trustees named in honor of Freed and his wife, Catherine. The campus was made progressively more attractive.

Previously, Freed served as president of Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill.; dean of the College at Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio; and a faculty member in the Department of Physics at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.

While in military service, he spent seven years overseas – in Japan, Korea, Germany, Iran, East Africa and Vietnam. He was assistant to senior military and diplomatic representatives in the Middle East. While serving in New Mexico, he was chief of the group that analyzed and coordinated nuclear research and development.

Freed earned his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Military Academy, his master of science degree in nuclear science from the University of Kansas and his doctoral degree in nuclear science and engineering from the University of New Mexico.

Catherine Moore Freed, a former college faculty member, holds bachelor of arts and bachelor of fine arts degrees from the University of Texas, with honors that include Phi Beta Kappa, and a master’s degree from the University of Kansas. Their son, Debow II, has a doctoral degree from Rice University and lives in Texas.

Freed has been active in public service organizations. He serves as a trustee and member of the executive committee of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus and chairs the COSI Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a trustee of the Toledo Symphony, the Blanchard Valley Health Association and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, where he chairs the Grants Committee.

Freed will serve as president during the absence of Kenneth E. Zirkle, Ed.D., who has been president for 20 years, from 1983-03. He has been granted a year’s sabbatical beginning July 1, 2003, by the UF Board of Trustees. Zirkle is combining his sabbatical with accrued vacation time and begins his vacation May 15. During his absence, he intends to pursue other opportunities and has said that he may not return to The University of Findlay.

Dr. Beckett acknowledged Zirkle’s contributions, “He has effected many positive changes during his tenure. Enrollment, academics, athletics and the physical plant have certainly reached new levels under his leadership.”