Jan 12, 2018 2 min read

California University of Pennsylvania recently welcomed Dr. Brenda L. Fredette as dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology.

Fredette comes to Cal U. from Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y., where she was the assistant vice president for student success and a professor in Medaille’s Division of Veterinary and Natural Sciences.

Fredette holds a doctorate in biochemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s Roswell Park Division, as well as a master’s in eduction degree in chemistry education and an advanced certificate in educational technology, both from SUNY-Buffalo. She completed her undergraduate studies – a bachelor’s of science in biology with a minor in chemistry – at Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y.

Fredette is a strong proponent of active, student-centered learning. As a professor at Medialle, she designed and supervised more than 60 student research projects and supervised field research activities in Central and South America.

In her role as dean, Fredette will oversee California University’s largest academic college, where about 2,850 students are enrolled in more than 40 career-focused degree programs. The Eberly College houses the departments of applied engineering and technology, biological and environmental sciences, business and economics, chemistry and physics, earth sciences, math, computer science and information systems, and nursing.

“Career-focused, applied education has always been Cal U.’s strength, and Dr. Fredette shares our perspective on teaching and learning,” said Dr. Bruce Barnhart, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “We look forward to her leadership of the Eberly College, and we welcome her student-focused approach to preparing students for careers in science and technology.”

Fredette succeeds Dr. John Kallis, who retired in December 2016 after more than 30 years at Cal U. Dr. Mohamed Yamba, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, also served as interim dean of the Eberly College after Kallis retired.