Its not easy for school administrations to connect to there students. That is not the case with Chaminade’s new Dean of Education. Dr. Dale Fryxell has been the interim dean for the past three years and was permanently appointed to the position on Aug. 15.

“I’ve really enjoyed being the dean, it’s given me an opportunity to take on an important leadership role,” Fryxell said.

Fryxell has been working at Chaminade for more than 20 years, starting off as an adjunct professor before becoming full time. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1989, then his master’s degree from the University of Hawaii and University of St. Thomas. From there he got his Ph.D. from UH, specializing in psychology.

He has researched quite a few different topics ranging from how to teach people with disabilities, to anger and aggression.

“It gives me a chance to really look at our programs and try to make them better,” he said. “We’ve been focusing a lot of our energy on trying to market our programs to a wider community.”

The school is always looking for more partnerships to extend the number of programs available to students. For example, Chaminade is currently trying to partner up with the Pacific Aviation Museum to get the students out and help the local community.

Being such a small school, it really lets the students and teachers get to know each other on a more personal level. Many of the students love his attitude towards teaching and towards each other.

“He’s just a really, really nice professor. And every time I’m in his class he always seems to have the students best interest in mind,” said Thomas Collins, a senior at Chaminade.

One would think that having both the responsibility of a full-time professor as well as the Dean of Education would put a strain on his effectiveness to do both jobs, but for Fryxell it’s no problem. He is still able to teach all of his classes on top of his job as the dean, like his PSY-321 Psychology of Personality course.

“My first love is teaching,” Fryxell said. “I never really saw myself becoming an administrator, but I also enjoy some of the challenges that it brings. I’m in my ideal place right now. I get to provide leadership to the education division as well as teach psychology courses.”

Dr. Dave Fryxell cares very much for the students of Chaminade University. Every decision he makes is for the betterment of Chaminade and the future of every student at that school.

“Chaminade is a great place,” he said. “It’s small enough so each individual, whether it’s a dean, professor, or student, can have a big impact and shape the future of the institution.”