Rhona Free has been an important change agent for the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford.
When she started as president in 2015, USJ was an all-women’s college. In an effort to boost enrollment, she quickly pivoted the school’s strategy and welcomed the first male undergraduates in 2018.
The move has paid off. In order to accommodate growing enrollment, Free last year announced plans to offer student housing in downtown Hartford.
She also recruited Hall of Fame former UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun to launch USJ’s men’s basketball program, and has overseen the creation of new academic majors in engineering science and esports, among others.
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During her tenure, Free also led the consolidation of USJ’s healthcare programs onto the school’s West Hartford campus; significantly expanded athletic programs and facilities; and completed numerous capital projects to enhance student life, campus accessibility and educational training facilities, including studios, classrooms and laboratories.
Free came to USJ from Eastern Connecticut State University, where she served as vice president for academic affairs from 2007 to 2013, and provost from 2013 to 2015. She taught economics at Eastern for 25 years before becoming an administrator.