LIVINGSTON, AL, March 09, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Todd G. Fritch has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A first-generation college graduate from rural Northern Michigan, Dr. Fritch has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing higher education and fostering institutional growth both throughout the United States and internationally. As president of the University of West Alabama since 2025, he provides comprehensive leadership across the institution, focusing on strengthening its academic standing and serving the rural community through workforce and economic development initiatives.

During his first year as president, Dr. Fritch established a transformative 10-year strategic plan that shifted the university's approach from traditional tactical frameworks to a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that every employee is reflected in the mission. Under his guidance, the institution began a $23 million renovation of the student union building — the first major student experience investment in decades — and has not only achieved record enrollments exceeding 7,000 students in fall 2025, but also achieved unprecedented success in the development of financial resources for the university.

Prior to joining the University of West Alabama, Dr. Fritch served as executive vice president and provost at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota from 2018 to 2025. He also contributed to local education as a member of the school advisory council at Suncoast Technical College from 2022 through 2024 and as a member of the board of governors at Manatee Technical College from 2020 2024.

From 2015 to 2018, Dr. Fritch held dual roles at Shorelight in Boston, Massachusetts, as chief academic officer and vice president of business development and global solutions. During this time, he spearheaded both academic strategy and the expansion of global programs, furthering the organization's mission to connect international students and universities and enhance long-term student outcomes around the world. His earlier tenure as provost at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, from 2012 to 2014 was likewise marked by significant advancements in academic affairs and institutional effectiveness.

Dr. Fritch's international experience includes serving as vice president of academic affairs and dean of graduate and professional studies at The American College of Greece from 2010 to 2012, following his role as vice president of academic development from 2008 to 2010. Both of these positions allowed him to broaden his perspective on global education systems while enhancing graduate programs, furthering shaping the approach he continues to apply at the University of West Alabama today.

At Northeastern University in Boston, Dr. Fritch progressed through several administrative roles between 2004 and 2008, all of which provided him with a strong foundation in both faculty leadership and operational management. He began as the academic director of science and founding director of the geographic information system (GIS) laboratory from 2004 to 2006 before becoming the director of academic administration. He went on to serve as assistant dean of academic affairs, administration and planning from 2007 to 2008, ascending to become senior assistant dean of academic and faculty affairs in 2008.

Alongside his primary appointments, Dr. Fritch is actively involved with several boards and professional organizations ranging from health care to athletics to the sciences. He serves on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) board for the Gulf South Conference and is a member of the board of directors and executive committee member for the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. His industry affiliations include membership in The Geological Society of America, participation on the Council of University Presidents, service as a board member for the Higher Education Partnership of Alabama and the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences.

Hailing from an equally accomplished academic background of his own, Dr. Fritch earned a Doctor of Philosophy in geology from Baylor University in 1999 after completing a Master of Science in geology there in 1995. He began his higher education journey with a Bachelor of Science in geology from Lake Superior State University in 1993.

To further his expertise in administrative guidance, Dr. Fritch obtained an executive certificate in higher education leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2025 and completed the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard in 2022.

Reflecting on his storied journey to date, Dr. Fritch attributes his success to a leadership philosophy grounded in ownership, accountability and responsibility. He consistently fosters environments where his team members are encouraged to take calculated risks, learn from setbacks and collaborate toward shared goals without the fear of blame.

Dr. Fritch's entry into academia was shaped by an early passion for teaching he discovered during his graduate studies at Baylor University, where he served as a teaching assistant. Although he initially intended to pursue a career in science or research, he realized that higher education administration offered greater opportunities for impact. Beginning as an adjunct and then full-time professor at Northeastern University, where he also established his own laboratory, he transitioned into administrative roles that allowed him to influence broader institutional and student outcomes.

Also known for his civic commitment and community impact, Dr. Fritch has served on various boards including the board of trustees for The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature from 2022 to 2024 as well as the board of directors for the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County from 2021 to 2024.

Long recognized for his outstanding contributions to education and administration, Dr. Fritch received the Chancellor's Best Practice Award from the Florida Department of Education as well as multiple President's Excellence Awards and an Outstanding Commendation from the Board of Trustees at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in 2024. Also honored by his alma mater earlier in his career, he was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award from Lake Superior State University in 2016.

Happily married and a proud step-father, Dr. Fritch values his family life with his spouse Jamie — who is also making an impact on their community with more than 15 years of experience in YMCA management — and two stepsons. Outside of his professional endeavors, he maintains an active lifestyle through golfing, traveling internationally and playing pickleball.

Looking toward the future with optimism, Dr. Fritch remains committed to guiding the University of West Alabama toward its fullest potential through ambitious strategies focused on expanding student enrollment. He also plans to invest strategically in campus infrastructure while preparing future leaders who will continue advancing the institution's mission, allowing students, teachers and administrative staff alike to thrive for many years to come.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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