Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., joined the University of New Haven on March 1, 2024, as its seventh president. He is an innovative higher education leader with extensive experience in many facets of higher education administration, including enrollment management, fundraising, and academic/corporate pathways.
He is differentiating the University in an ultra-competitive marketplace, and his goal is for the University to become an international powerhouse for preparing the next generation of elite talent to excel in the global workforce of the future.
Overseeing a major transformation of the University’s West Haven campus, he spearheaded one of the most significant land acquisitions in the University’s 100-year history, acquiring a 130,000-square-foot commercial space and 12 acres of land directly adjacent to the University’s main campus to establish a best-in-the-nation Center for Innovation and Applied Technology. The University also accepted an invitation to transition to Division I for athletics and is developing a new state-of-the-art on-campus home for its Pompea College of Business.
President Frederiksen has led a significant expansion of the University’s international reach, highlighted by its plans to become the first university in the U.S. to establish a branch campus in Saudi Arabia as well as the launch of an Afghan Women’s Scholars Program to help respond to this humanitarian crisis.
He has helped create collaborations with top companies, leading to new career opportunities for our graduates. All of this has created unprecedented visibility and awareness, leading to a record number of applications and the best selectivity rate in the University’s rich history; tens of thousands of mentions in the media; and a new annual fundraising record that triples the previous high.
Dr. Frederiksen joined the University of New Haven from Fisk University, a highly ranked historically Black university in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served as Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Management. He has served as a professor at Vanderbilt, Fisk, and the University of the South, and as a consultant for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
He earned bachelor's degrees in political science, history, economics, and philosophy from Vanderbilt, where he was a member of the men's tennis team. He also earned both a master's degree in interdisciplinary social and political thought and a Ph.D. in contemporary political theory and comparative politics from Vanderbilt.
A native of Denmark, Dr. Frederiksen and his wife, May Wood Frederiksen, have two children, Gunnar and Lilly.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen and Mario Gaboury, vice president for government affairs and global engagement, comment on the university receiving approval to open an international branch campus in Saudi Arabia in the Fall of 2026.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses the university receiving approval to open an international branch campus in Saudi Arabia in the Fall of 2026.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses the impact of restrictions on international student visas, which are preventing tens of thousands from attending U.S. universities, and the effect this is having on the global educational experience of all students.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen commented on international students seeking to attend colleges and universities across the country being denied visas, saying, 'There's a real sort of concern about whether this is a lasting paradigm shift around what American higher education represents to the globe.'
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses a transformational $5 million gift from alumnus and longtime benefactor Jeffery Hazell ’83, ’10 Hon. to support the University’s move to Division I athletics.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen and Chima Opara ’25, ’27 M.S., discuss the Charger Athletics’ move to Division I as Jeffery Hazell, ’83, ’10 Hon., showed his support with a $5 million gift.
In the Media
Jeffery Hazell ’83, ’10 Hon., shares the motivation behind his $5 million gift to support Charger Athletics moving to Division I. President Jens Frederiksen commented on the impact of the transformational commitment.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses a transformational $5 million gift from alumnus and longtime benefactor Jeffery Hazell ’83, ’10 Hon. to support the University’s move to Division I athletics.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen announces the appointment of Paul Lavoie as vice president of innovation and applied technology, effective July 28, to supervise the creation of the university’s Research & Development Park.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen announces the appointment of Paul Lavoie as vice president of innovation and applied technology, effective July 28, to supervise the creation of the university’s Research & Development Park.
In the Media
In a story announcing the university’s men’s basketball team’s matchup against Penn State, Northeast Conference Commissioner Noreen Morris said, 'I want to thank University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen and Athletic Director Devin Crosby for their thoughtful leadership throughout this process.'
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., and Mario Gaboury, vice president for government affairs and global engagement, comment on the University of New Haven’s plans to become the first college or university in the U.S. to opening a branch campus in Saudi Arabia.
In the Media
The University of New Haven's 2025-26 men’s basketball team will play the UConn Huskies on November 3. President Jens Frederiksen said, 'This move to the Northeast Conference and Division I positions the university for an exciting future.'
In the Media
The President of Fudan University Academician Jin Li presented Henry Lee, renowned forensic scientist and founder of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, with the Fudan University Honorary Professor Certificate. In attendance at the ceremony were Jens Frederiksen, president of the University of New Haven; Kenneth Biermacher ’76, ’14 Hon.., member of the University’s Board of Governors; Gregory Eichhorn, vice president of enrollment management; and Mario Gaboury, vice president of government affairs and global engagement.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., discusses the University of New Haven signing an MOU creating a pathway to open a branch campus in Saudi Arabia as well as its move to Division I athletics.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen comments on the university’s transition to Division I and why the University is well-positioned to make the move.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen comments on the University of New Haven expanding its global footprint.
In the Media
University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen was invited to attend the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum that brought together senior U.S. and Saudi government officials, Fortune 500 CEOs, global investors, and innovators in Riyadh.
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University President Jens Frederiksen discusses participating in the “Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge.”
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., discusses new partnerships and his goals for the University of New Haven.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., comments on the lack of visas for international students being approved by the federal government.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., discusses a new partnership with Hartford Healthcare, which will operate the student health center and oversee counseling and psychological services and athletic training for students.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., comments on a new partnership with Hartford Healthcare, which will operate the student health center and oversee counseling and psychological services and athletic training for students.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., comments on a new partnership with Hartford Healthcare, which will operate the student health center and oversee counseling and psychological services and athletic training for students.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., signed an agreement with West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer in which the university will continue to contribute to the Allingtown Fire District through fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and provide additional contributions in alignments with the university’s financial growth.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced that it received a $10 million gift from Dennis Martin '81, which will serve as the leadership donation to create a new on-campus building for the Pompea College of Business.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced that it received a $10 million gift from Dennis Martin '81, which will serve as the leadership donation to create a new on-campus building for the Pompea College of Business.
In the Media
The University of New Haven has announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven has announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven has announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven has announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen discusses the university signing an MOU with Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway for opening an international branch campus in Riyadh.
In the Media
The University of New Haven signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven has announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced it has signed an agreement with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia that creates a pathway to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The university is the first foreign entity to apply for a higher education license in Saudi Arabia to open an international branch campus.
In the Media
The University of New Haven announced that it has received a $10 million gift from Dennis Martin '81, which will serve as the leadership donation to create a new on-campus building for the Pompea College of Business.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a $10 million donation from alum Dennis Martin ’81 to support a new building for the university’s Pompea College of Business.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., comments on his role in a newly released movie starring Nicole Kidman that was filmed while he was at Fisk University.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a new partnership with the City of West Haven to allow first responders and local high school graduates to further their education.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a new partnership with the City of West Haven to allow first responders and local high school graduates to further their education.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a new partnership with the City of West Haven to allow first responders and local high school graduates to further their education.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a new partnership with the City of West Haven to allow first responders and local high school graduates to further their education.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a new partnership with the City of West Haven to allow first responders and local high school graduates to further their education.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced a new partnership with the City of West Haven to allow first responders and local high school graduates to further their education.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses the creation of a donor-supported Internship Signing Bonus program that, beginning this summer, will provide a $100 award to all undergraduates who complete a qualified internship.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced that Scandinavian business executive Henrik Nielsen had tripled his 7-figure pledge, allowing 28 more Afghan women students to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the university.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., and several new students from Afghanistan discuss how a transformative gift by Scandinavian business executive Henrik Nielsen to create an Afghan Women’s Scholars Program will change their lives.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., and several new students from Afghanistan discuss how a transformative gift by Scandinavian business executive Henrik Nielsen to create an Afghan Women’s Scholars Program will change their lives.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced that Scandinavian business executive Henrik Nielsen had tripled his 7-figure pledge, allowing 28 more Afghan women students to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the university.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., discusses the university's purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge research and development center.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses the university's purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge research and development center.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen commented on the university's purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge research and development center.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen commented on the university's purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge research and development center.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen commented on the university's purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge research and development center.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., and Mike Ambrose, chair of the Board of Governors, announced the University’s purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge Research and Development Center focusing on Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing industries and workforce development initiatives.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., and Mike Ambrose, chair of the Board of Governors, announced the University’s purchase of the former Railroad Salvage property to establish a cutting-edge Research and Development Center focusing on Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing industries and workforce development initiatives.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen discusses what is ahead for the University of New Haven in 2025.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen commented on the university purchasing the former Railroad Salvage shopping plaza, saying, “This acquisition signals a significant step in the university's strategic vision and our intensified focus on preparing the next generation of an elite global workforce.”
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New Haven, discusses the return on investment (ROI) of pursuing a college degree and what students should look for in institutions to expand their career opportunities and personal growth in their chosen field.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., faculty, and students attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the university’s new Marine Science Center at the Canal Dock Boathouse on the Long Island Sound. Programs in marine biology, marine policy, and environmental sciences provide hands-on experience in the field and in the new laboratory.
In the Media
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., faculty, and students attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the university’s new Marine Science Center at the Canal Dock Boathouse on the Long Island Sound. Programs in marine biology, marine policy, and environmental sciences programs provide hands-on experience in the field and in the new laboratory.
In the Media
The University hosted its 23rd annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which included President Jens Frederiksen presenting an Honorary Degree to 101-year-old World War II U.S. Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant Warren Mulston, a long-time resident of Orange, CT.
In the Media
The University of New Haven will host its 23rd annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will include President Jens Frederiksen presenting an Honorary Degree to 101-year-old World War II U.S. Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant Warren Mulston, a long-time resident of Orange, CT.
In the Media
The University of New Haven will host its 23rd annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will include President Jens Frederiksen presenting an Honorary Degree to 101-year-old World War II U.S. Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant Warren Mulston, a long-time resident of Orange, CT.
In the Media
The University of New Haven will host its 23rd annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will include President Jens Frederiksen presenting an Honorary Degree to 101-year-old World War II U.S. Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant Warren Mulston, a long-time resident of Orange, CT.
In the Media
President Jens Fredericksen, Ph.D., and Greg Eichhorn, vice president for enrollment, comment on the launch of the Afghan Women’s Scholars program, which is being funded by a seven-figure gift from Scandinavian business executive Henrik Nielsen.
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Jens Frederiksen was included in a roundup of new college and university presidents and provosts appointed over the course of the last year.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New Haven, announced the Afghan Women's Scholarship program, which is being funded by a seven-figure gift from Danish web entrepreneur Henrik Nielsen.
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President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., recently visited Mumbai, where he attended an exclusive event with the Confederation of Indian Industry.
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University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen and Chairman Zhang Zhifeng of Guangzhou Huali College signed a memorandum of cooperation.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New Haven, was a guest speaker at the Ferguson Library for their series Civility In America.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New Haven, wrote an op-ed on why he believes college commencements give optimism for the future.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., discusses becoming the seventh president of the University of New Haven and his vision for the future.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president-elect, discusses some of the challenges facing the field of higher education.
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Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., has been named the seventh president of the University of New Haven. Presidential Search Committee Chair Mike Ambrose ’84, ’19 Hon., shared what distinguished Dr. Frederiksen during the extensive search and selection process.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., who has been named the seventh president of the University of New Haven, comments on his vision for the University, and Presidential Search Committee Chair Mike Ambrose ’84, ’19 Hon., shared what distinguished Dr. Frederiksen during the extensive search and selection process.
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Jens Frederiksen, the seventh president of the University of New Haven, discusses his vision for the University’s growth and its future.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen has been named the seventh president of the University of New Haven.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen has been named the seventh president of the University of New Haven.
In the Media
Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., who has been named the seventh president of the University of New Haven, reflects on what attracted him to the University. Presidential Search Committee Chair Mike Ambrose ’84, ’19 Hon., shared what distinguished Dr. Frederiksen during the extensive search and selection process.