ELGIN – Judson University President William Crothers has announced the appointment of Wilbert J. Friesen as the permanent provost and chief academic officer. Friesen has been serving as Acting Provost since July 1.

Friesen has extensive experience in higher education leadership as well as teaching.  He was on the faculty and in various academic leadership positions at Fresno Pacific University in California for more than 16 years followed by service at Malone University in Ohio as provost and interim president. Early in his career he owned and operated several small construction companies.