Dr. Rusty Freed serves as the Inaugural Dean of the College of General and Applied Studies at Tarleton State University, where he leads initiatives that support student success, academic achievement, and degree completion initiatives. In this role, he oversees academic advising, college readiness programs, workforce pathways, adult degree-completion initiatives, and the academic components of New Student Orientation while providing leadership for the Bachelor of Science in General Studies program.

A proud Tarleton alumnus, Dr. Freed has spent much of his career helping students discover pathways to achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals. His work is grounded in a belief that higher education should be accessible, supportive, and responsive to the needs of today’s learners. Whether working with first-year students, transfer students, adult learners, or workforce professionals, he is committed to creating opportunities that help individuals persist, graduate, and thrive.

Throughout his career at Tarleton, Dr. Freed has served in a variety of academic leadership roles, including Dean and Interim Dean of University College, Associate Vice President for Outreach and Off-Campus Programs, Executive Director of the Academic Advising Center, and Department Head for Management, Marketing, and Administrative Systems. His leadership has supported initiatives in student success, advising, degree completion, transfer pathways, online learning, workforce education, and institutional planning.

As a tenured Professor of Management, Dr. Freed has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in management, leadership, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and professional development. His scholarship and professional interests include academic advising, student engagement, adult learning, credit for prior learning, and innovative approaches that connect education to career opportunities. He has authored and presented research focused on student success and lifelong learning.

Dr. Freed earned his Doctor of Education from the University of North Texas, with a concentration in Human Resource Development and a minor in Higher Education. He also holds an MBA and undergraduate degrees from Tarleton State University. Over the years, he has received numerous university honors recognizing excellence in leadership, service, and teaching, including the Barry B. Thompson Service Award and the O.A. Grant Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Freed remains passionate about helping students navigate their academic journey, develop meaningful career pathways, and realize the transformative possibilities of higher education. He considers student success, lifelong learning, and service to others to be at the heart of his work.

Contact Our Office

Box T-0340, Stephenville, TX 76402

Phone: (254) 968-9672

Office Email: COGAS@tarleton.edu