Author Biography

Dr. Dan Friedman is the Assistant Vice President of University 101 Programs and the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience at the University of South Carolina. This is an integrated unit that focuses on helping students thrive through their transitions into, through, and out of the University. In his role with University 101 Programs, Dan provides leadership for six academic courses, including 350 sections of the nationally renowned first-year seminar taught by over 300 instructors and 300 peer leaders.

Dan also has oversight of the National Resource Center, which is the trusted expert, internationally recognized leader, and clearinghouse for scholarship, policy, and best practice for all postsecondary student transitions. The NRC provides opportunities for the exchange of practical and scholarly information as well as the discussion of trends and issues in our field through the convening of conferences and online courses; publication of scholarly practice books, research reports, a peer-reviewed journal, guides, and newsletters; and generating, supporting, and disseminating research and scholarship.

Friedman earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Virginia and is an affiliate faculty member in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at USC. Prior to coming to the University of South Carolina, he served as director of Freshman Seminar at Appalachian State University and assistant professor of Higher Education. His area of research and scholarship has centered on the first-year experience, teaching and learning, and assessment. Friedman regularly consults with institutions across the country and serves as an invited faculty for institutes on a variety of FYE subjects. He is passionate about baseball, Bruce Springsteen, Legos, and spending time with his two daughters.