Dean Lafreniere to lead OHIO Chillicothe's next chapter

Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost for Regional Higher Education at Ohio University, has announced the appointment of Michael Lafreniere as dean of campus and community engagement at Ohio University Chillicothe, effective Aug. 10, 2026.

Lafreniere, who has served as interim dean for more than a year, was selected following a competitive national search and rigorous interview process. In his permanent role, he will continue leading the campus as it builds on a strong foundation of growth, expanded partnerships and deeper community engagement.

Lafreniere succeeds Dr. Roberta Milliken, who led OHIO Chillicothe prior to her retirement and whose work with students, faculty, staff and community partners established the foundation the campus continues to build on.

Lafreniere has helped strengthen OHIO Chillicothe’s connection with the community by creating new opportunities for students, expanding workforce partnerships, enhancing the campus experience and building relationships throughout Ross County and beyond. His leadership has focused on bringing people together and finding innovative ways to highlight the important role the campus plays in the region.

Image

"From the beginning, Mike has led with purpose, bringing people together and helping strengthen OHIO Chillicothe's connections across the region," said McNeal. “He has a unique ability to build relationships, bring people together, and turn ideas into action. His passion for OHIO Chillicothe and the communities we serve is evident in everything he does, and we are excited to see him continue this important work as dean.”

Lafreniere’s connection to OHIO Chillicothe spans more than three decades. He joined the campus as a faculty member in 1994, teaching environmental engineering technology, hazardous materials technology and mathematics, and he holds a tenured appointment as associate professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Over the years he has served in nearly every administrative function on the campus, including associate dean, director of student services, budget and human resources oversight, and acting dean. Earlier in his career he founded and directed the OHIO Chillicothe Environmental Training and Resource Center, an industry-facing training enterprise that served employers across southeastern Ohio. That experience shaped a conviction he still holds, that partnerships work best when the campus arrives with something to offer.

Lafreniere earned a master of engineering in environmental engineering and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, both from the University of Florida, and completed doctoral coursework and comprehensive examinations in mathematics education at Ohio University.

Preparing students for high-demand careers has remained a key priority for Lafreniere. Working alongside local employers and industry partners, he has helped advance plans to bring two new workforce certificates, Automation Technician and Mechatronics Technician to OHIO Chillicothe. These programs will provide hands-on technical skills in electronics, mechanics, robotics and automation while helping address the growing need for skilled workers throughout the region.

• You can read more about these new programs here.

Beyond academics and workforce development, Lafreniere has focused on enhancing the campus environment and strengthening connections with the broader community. He played a supportive role in revitalizing the 18-hole disc golf course located behind the OHIO Chillicothe campus, creating another recreational opportunity for students and community members.

He has also worked to strengthen the relationship between campus and community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Chillicothe Trails, Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities, The Buck Fifty, and Ross County Park District while continuing efforts to bring renewed energy and activity back to the Stevenson Center and Shoemaker Center that align with our academic mission.

“Students come first here, and that is not a slogan. It is how we decide what to build, who to call and where to spend our time,” said Lafreniere. “This campus has been my professional home for more than 30 years. I have taught here, raised a family here, and watched generations of students cross the graduation stage and go to work in this region. I am grateful to the students, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners who make this work possible, and I am eager to keep going.”

As dean of campus and community engagement, Lafreniere will continue leading efforts to support student success, expand workforce opportunities, strengthen community partnerships and advance Ohio University Chillicothe’s role as a regional leader in education, engagement and workforce development.

Image