The University of Findlay - Office of the President

Dr. DeBow Freed
President
The University of Findlay

Dr. DeBow Freed became the 16th president of The University of Findlay on June 1, 2003.

Dr. Freed previously served as president of Ohio Northern University for 20 years. During his tenure at ONU, academic and student programs were strengthened, enrollment increased, the budget was balanced each year and the endowment and other funds increased from $7 million to $145 million. Several renovation and construction projects were completed, including the construction of a performing arts center that trustees named in honor of Dr. Freed and his wife, Catherine. The campus was made progressively more attractive.

Dr. Freed also served as president of Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill.; dean 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.

He has spent seven years overseas – in Japan, Germany, Iran, Korea, and Vietnam. He was assistant to senior U.S. representatives in the Middle East.

Dr. Freed graduated from West Point and later earned masters and doctoral degrees in nuclear science and nuclear engineering from the Universities of Kansas and New Mexico, respectively.

Dr. Freed has been active in public service organizations. He served as a trustee and member of the executive committee of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus for many years and chaired the COSI Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a trustee of the Toledo Symphony and the Blanchard Valley Health Association.

Dr. Freed has brought strong leadership to The University of Findlay, with special focus on strengthening academic and student programs, finances, and a sense of community on campus.

His wife, 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 election to Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. She holds a masters degree from the University of Kansas. Their son, DeBow II, has a doctorate degree from Rice University and lives in Texas.