Meet Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, associate vice president for administration and chief of staff in the Division of Student Affairs. Fritzie started her career at UMBC as a community director in Residential Life, left to pursue other passions, and came back to serve our Retriever community for the last 14 years. What excites Fritzie so much about her work with students? We’ll let her tell you herself!
Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?
A: I am a native New Yorker. I have a B.A. in psychology from Roger Williams University and a M.Ed. in student affairs higher education from the University of Vermont. I have over 20 years of professional experience in a variety of leadership positions in student affairs and with the federal government. This includes serving as the contractor installation manager for the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
In this role I was responsible for overseeing the ACAP Resource Center that provided social work services to Warriors in Transition Soldiers, and disabled veterans/retirees, as well as transitioning service personnel and family members in support of rehabilitation and transition to civilian life. I began my career at UMBC as a community director in Residential Life, and returned to the university in 2010. Currently I serve as the associate vice president for administration and chief of staff for the Division of Student Affairs.
Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?
A: UMBC is such a caring place. We really go above and beyond to support each other. I feel that at all levels and see examples of this daily. If you are looking to join a strong and supportive community, this is the place for you.
Q: What do you love most about your job and why?
A: Working with students and their families. It so rewarding to be able to help a student or family member. I know that I am making a difference and helping prepare our next generation of leaders.
Q: Tell us about someone in the community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.
A: It is really hard to narrow to just one person specifically. I feel like I have been inspired and supported by countless people in the Division of Student Affairs. So I would have to say our whole division. I get to work with amazing people and they give me life. I am consistently inspired by how amazing each person is and how they go above and beyond to support our students. They push me to a higher standard because they are so amazing. So from the VP’s office to our leadership team to each department, they all inspire and support me in some capacity.
At the Division of Student Affairs BBQ in June (left-right): Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, and Renique Kersh, and John Fox. Photo courtesy of Charne-Merriwether.
Q: Tell us what you love about your department.
A: I laugh a lot with our team. Even when things are really hard we find ways to lift each other and find a sliver of joy. This work can be really difficult at times. I appreciate our team’s humanity and ability to find the light.
Q: Tell us about your primary WHY, and how it led you to UMBC.
A: I originally came to UMBC because I felt I had great opportunities to grow professionally. It seemed like an exciting place that was growing and brimming with potential. I came back to UMBC because of the people. It truly is a special place. Even after being away for a few years, I still felt very much connected to this place and coming back felt like home.
Members of the Family Advisory Board in student affairs enjoy Homecoming & Family Weekend 2022. Photo courtesy of Charne-Merriwether.
“I laugh a lot with our team. Even when things are really hard we find ways to lift each other and find a sliver of joy. This work can be really difficult at times. I appreciate our team’s humanity and ability to find the light.
Fritzie Charne-Merriwether
Q: Since you’ve been a part of the UMBC community, how have you found support of your WHY?
A: A great example of support occurred a few years back when my mother passed away. As an only child, my mom and I were really close and losing her rocked my entire foundation. The outpouring of support from our VP and leadership team allowed me to take all the time I needed to grieve and find my new normal. The love and support I received from fellow colleagues got me through some of my most difficult moments. That continues to this day. Our division has gone through significant change recently. During that time, countless individuals have stepped up to support me from all over campus. Our new VP and members of our leadership team have been incredibly supportive as I have stepped into my new role. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a caring community.
Family Night at a men’s basketball game. Photo courtesy of Charne-Merriwether.
Q: What would you tell someone who is considering a career at UMBC?
A: It is a great community to belong to and depending on your interest you can find ample opportunities to grow and develop.
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UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.
