Randy Frye, Dean of the Shields School of Business, and John Woznak, Professor of Literature in the School of STEAM, are both celebrating 40 years of full-time employment at Saint Francis this year.
Frye has taught at the collegiate level for 44 years. He began his career in higher education at Mount Aloysius in 1980 and taught at the Cresson school for four years. He arrived at SFU in 1984 and has taught 23 different courses since joining the University faculty.
Frye helped launch the University’s MBA Program in 1990 and was the recipient of the Swatworth Excellence-in-Teaching Award in 1998. He been a finalist for the institution’s Distinguished Faculty Award seven times.
He led efforts to introduce Marketing and Finance majors to the SSOB’s program offerings and was instrumental in the formation of SFU’s chapters of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization and Enactus.
“I am most proud of all of the achievements of our students,” said Frye.
He said he cherishes the relationships he has built over the years with his colleagues and fellow faculty. His favorite parts of his job are going on trips with students and getting to know them better. Over spring break earlier this month (as well as many others), he led a group of students on an educational excursion to London.
Frye said he is also proud of his track record of hiring talented teachers.
“First and foremost in establishing a strong business school is hiring and retaining good professors,” said Frye.
A Johnstown native, Frye’s infectious energy is something that has not diminished over four decades at Saint Francis.
His energy and enthusiasm for students is unmatched,” said Associate Professor of Communications Kelly Rhodes. “He truly loves our students and is passionate about providing them with great opportunities.
“I think faculty enjoy working with Dr. Frye because he is forever an optimist who believes in the power of an SFU education.”
Frye’s three sons are all graduates of SFU. His youngest son, Randall, is the University’s unofficial historian. Randall led a yearlong social media project during the 175th anniversary celebration of the University in 2022. It chronicled the institution’s history.
Frye believes that Saint Francis has proven to be the right professional fit for him.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be in a place I love and to be with students I enjoy working with for a long time.
“I believe in Saint Francis’ mission and its values. The opportunity to work with great colleagues and great students has been a blessing and if I had to do it all over again, I would do it all over again.”
Woznak graduated with a double-major in English and Literature from Saint Francis in 1977 and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in English Literature from IUP in 1979 and 1988, respectively.
His journey from student to teacher at Saint Francis was an unexpected one.
While completing his master’s program at IUP, he was asked to come back to Saint Francis and fill in for English faculty member William Furlong, who was dealing with medical issues at the time. Woznak replaced Furlong as a full-time faculty member when his former teacher died.
He has been teaching at the University since 1982.
“I came to see why Saint Francis was special and it became special to me,” said Woznak. “It’s home.”
Woznak has served on many academic committees at SFU and is involved in various professional activities. He has held membership in the Modern Language Association, the National Council of Teachers in English, the American Society for 18th Century Studies and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
One of his proudest accomplishments is the publication of his book “Stewards of the Vision: St. Francis College.” The Rev. Christian Oravec, the University’s former president, asked Woznak to write the book in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the school. It was published in 1997.
“To be able to tell the story of an institution was quite an honor,” said Woznak.
Woznak has taught 15 different courses during his four-plus decade career in Loretto and, like Frye, he said he cherishes the relationships he has built with his students.
“The students are the reason I do it,” said Woznak. “That is why I am still doing what I am doing. I just love it.”
His colleagues recognize Woznak’s talent and ability to connect with his students.
“Dr. Woznak is one of the most remarkable professors I have ever worked with in my career,” said Professor of English Brennan Thomas.
“When he brings his boombox or his ‘Woz-snacks’ to class, students know they are in for a special treat. He is creative, fun and exceptionally kind.
“His students just adore him.”
Woznak appreciates the connections and relationships with the many students and colleagues that have come and gone throughout the years.
“I’ve done the things that I wanted to do.”
