H. Frederick Sweitzer of Suffield Named Provost at University of Hartford

(West Hartford, Conn.) University of Hartford President Gregory S. Woodward has named H. Frederick Sweitzer as the University’s Provost. Sweitzer was appointed interim provost by prior President Walter Harrison in 2016 with the assumption that a national search would eventually be conducted.  However, Woodward says, many critical factors influenced the decision to appoint Sweitzer to the permanent position.

“Fred has done an excellent job as provost,” said Woodward, “helping the University make significant progress on a number of strategic initiatives. He led the process of hiring four deans for our schools and colleges and helped develop and launch several new, high-demand academic programs. He is leading a newly reorganized Office of the Provost and has forged productive relationships with the team of collegiate deans as well as faculty leaders. Faculty searches, support, and retention are integral components of Fred’s purview. I am especially pleased with his leadership in our crucial efforts to diversify the faculty and curriculum.”

Sweitzer said, “I am delighted to be working with our new President, a dynamic team of officers and deans, and our vibrant community of faculty to continue to move the University forward at this important time in our history.”

Sweitzer grew up in Wayland, Massachusetts and South Bristol, Maine. He graduated from the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn.  He holds both a doctorate and master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania. He came to the University of Hartford in 1985 to lead the undergraduate program in Human Services in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions and has steadily risen through the academic ranks. Read his full bio here.

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for over six decades. On our 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut’s capital city, approximately 5,000 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students from 48 states and countries come together for a common purpose: to collaborate across different disciplines, diversify perspectives, and broaden worldviews. We’re a four-year private university focused on advancing the public good through meaningful connections within our communities. Our unique approach to comprehensive education gives us the critical perspectives that lead to impactful change, regionally and beyond. With degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions, we focus on doing the work that matters.