Steve Frieder


Steve Steven FriederFrieder, Arts ’95, is the senior advisor to the president of Marquette University. He was elected corporate secretary by the Marquette University Board of Trustees in 2003 after serving as assistant secretary from 1998 to 2003. Experienced in higher education governance, Steve works closely with the Board of Trustees, its Executive Committee, and trustee identification and recruitment. To date, he has supported the leadership of nine board chairs and 112 trustees.

He is part of President Kimo Ah Yun’s leadership team, working with him and other senior administrators on a wide variety of issues related to students, alumni and parents. Steve has a long-standing commitment to the continuous improvement of the student experience at Marquette. He has extensive experience partnering with search committees for senior leaders, having partnered with dozens over the course of his career.

In 2020 Steve’s peers recognized him with the Excellence in University Service award given to those who contribute to Marquette’s work at the highest level of excellence.

Steve earned a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) in history from Marquette University in 1995 and a master’s degree in history from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., in 1998.

His sustained involvement in national professional organizations includes the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). In recognition of his contributions, Steve received NAPAHE’s Distinguished Service Award in 2026. He chaired NAPAHE's 2023 annual conference and served for six years on its board of directors. He is a frequent presenter at the AGB Board Professionals Conference.

An avid runner, Steve has finished 34 marathons and is training for his 35th.