Some say “you can’t go home again,” but whoever believes that should look across our campus to see the many contributions being made by faculty and staff every day who are alumni of the university. Kelly Fried is the newest alumna joining the dean’s office in the College of Arts and Sciences.

With an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management, Kelly will work directly with Dean Joy Ward to support all aspects of the day-to-day work activities that support the college’s operations. 

She says, “I’m happy to start my new role as administrative manager in the college, bringing new ideas from my previous experiences in a variety of industries to assist Dean Ward in providing the faculty, staff and students what they need to be successful.” 

Kelly’s previous experience was with a surgeon’s practice where she spent over 14 years as the practice manager aiding in the start-up and maintenance of the operation. 

“After taking a class with the ‘Gorilla,’ Professor Richard Osborne, in Weatherhead, he helped lead me to do something on an entrepreneurial path,” Kelly says. “During this time, I saw many changes to the medical industry including conversion from paper charting and billing to electronic health records and the prominence of Managed Care Organizations.” 

She’s bringing these same skills to the dean’s office.

Dean Joy Ward says, “Kelly has a unique perspective from her time as a student at Case Western Reserve and in running every aspect of an office setting. I’m excited for her valuable insights that will benefit not only me but all of our faculty and staff as well.” 

Kelly’s experience also includes working at Pillsbury Company and Nestle USA, where she worked in roles from production scheduling to food technologist. 

“I even worked in quality control where I taste-tested cookies all day long!”

Kelly earned her BS in biological sciences from Ohio University. 

She wants everyone to know that “I look forward to the camaraderie and collaboration with my team in this university setting, my alma mater, of which I have such fond memories. I am excited to meet you all.

Reach out to Kelly at kaf13@case.edu to say hello.