Robert Freelen has taken a leave of absence as Chair of the Board of Trustees at National University to join the University as the Vice President for University Relations. In his new position he will oversee the Development and Alumni Relations departments.
Mr. Freelen has extensive experience in higher education, including nineteen years as a board member at National University and a thirty-year career at Stanford University. While at Stanford, he served in the Development Office, the Alumni Association, the Dean of Students Office and in Public Affairs. He earned his undergraduate degree and an MBA at Stanford, and currently holds the title of Vice President of Public Affairs Emeritus at the Palo Alto-based university.
Following his career at Stanford, Mr. Freelen served as Vice President of External Affairs at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He enjoys a distinguished record as a volunteer in higher education as a board member and former Chair of CASE, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the Stanford Alumni Association. He is currently Vice President of the Stanford Historical Society Board, and a member of the President’s Council for United Religious Initiative.
When Mr. Freelen started his career at Stanford, he says it was an emerging, aspiring leader in higher education. Today it is one of the leading higher education institutions in the nation. Similarly, as a board member Mr. Freelen has observed National University make great strides under the leadership of Dr. Jerry C. Lee, Chancellor of the National University System.
“This University has become a very successful institution. It is extremely well-managed with outstanding faculty, a commitment to integrity and quality and a distinct mission that fills a very important role,” says Mr. Freelen. “When Chancellor tapped me to fill this important role, I was honored to do so.”
Bob will reside in San Diego with his wife, Sally, and work at National University headquarters in La Jolla. He and Sally have three adult children and three grandchildren.
