Dr. Jared Friesen holds a Ph.D., Sociology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 2018

M.A., Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, 2002

B.A., Psychology, Huntington University, Huntington, IN, 1998

I grew up in Northeast Indiana and I am excited to be able to call this region home again. I was drawn to teaching at Manchester University because of its mission and values challenging students to live “compassionate lives that improve the human condition.”

Prior to returning to graduate school to pursue a doctorate in sociology I worked for 13 years in student development including residence life, new student orientation, and campus diversity. While most of this work was at three other liberal arts colleges, I also spent three years living with my family and working as the director of an environmental study abroad program for college students in Belize, Central America.

My current research interest is the intersection of rural sociology and education. I am also broadly interested in community development, environmental and social justice, and the social aspects of food production and consumption.

Outside of my work on campus I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, bird-watching, and attending sporting events.

I came to Manchester as a visiting faculty member in the fall of 2016.