Michel Frendian is a consultant with Spelman Johnson. Based in Chicago, Michel leads searches across a range of institutional types and administrative functions, with a particular depth of practice in enrollment management, graduate and professional education, and student affairs.
Michel joined Spelman Johnson after 30 years in higher education. He most recently served as dean of enrollment management at the Erikson Institute in Chicago. Previously, he served as vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at San Francisco Art Institute, as director of international affairs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and in residential life positions at DePaul University, Elmhurst College, and Occidental College.
Motivated by a deep belief that education and social impact organizations serve the greater public good, Michel is passionate about helping organizations recruit exceptional leaders. He develops close and effective working relationships with his clients to ensure that he thoroughly understands their mission, strategy, and culture. He is creative and meticulous in crafting searches, building deep candidate pools, and recruiting best-in-class leaders who add great value to their organizations. Clients appreciate his integrity, thoughtful counsel, and attentiveness throughout the search process.
Michel’s most recent board service includes two years with the National Deans and Directors of Social Work Admissions and six years with Positive Parenting DuPage, a regional collaboration that addresses the needs of young children and their families. He has held leadership roles with numerous professional associations, including the Association of University Housing Officers-International, American College Personnel Association, and NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher