Dean David Frazee Retires After Transformative Career in Health Sciences Education

"I discovered my real passion in higher education," said Frazee. "What kept me inspired was the energy of the community college environment—watching students transform their lives and knowing I could play a role in their success."

David Frazee has spent decades watching students transform their lives. Today, he’s the one embarking on a new adventure.

From an early age, Frazee was drawn to healthcare, nature, and science. He began studying at Auburn University as a pharmacy major, but life had different plans. He discovered his true passion in nuclear medicine, a program in which he earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. After graduation, he began working as a radiology administrator at MetroHealth Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic.

But it was his transition to community college education that changed everything. While working at Cuyahoga Community College in Ohio, Frazee found what would become his life's mission.

"I discovered my real passion in higher education," said Frazee. "What kept me inspired was the energy of the community college environment—watching students transform their lives and knowing I could play a role in their success. Being part of that journey is hard to describe, but it has always been a source of great joy."

After raising three children and becoming an empty nester, Frazee relocated to North Carolina, where he accepted the position of Dean of Health and Public Services at Alamance Community College. During his seven years there, he demonstrated the innovative leadership that would later benefit GTCC students and programs.

At ACC, Frazee spearheaded the development of the Biotechnology Center of Excellence, a facility that positioned the college at the forefront of biotechnology education. He also helped to expand the cosmetology program from just 15 students to over 100.

Frazee was content in his work, but when longtime colleague Ann Proudfit called about an opportunity at GTCC, everything changed. "I ran into Ann at a SACSCOC conference. She is GTCC's vice president of student services and encouraged me to apply for the health sciences dean position," Frazee explained. "It's proof that networking really does matter."

At GTCC, Frazee found himself working alongside dedicated faculty and staff to strengthen some of the college's most respected health sciences programs while maintaining rigorous standards.

"We successfully guided programs like Radiography, Surgical Technology, and Physical Therapist Assistant through rigorous accreditation reviews—all of which were granted the maximum possible years of approval," said Frazee.

Frazee's proudest achievement, however, has been creating GTCC's new Medical Sonography program, a high-demand and high-wage career pathway. Frazee explains, "After more than two years of planning, recruiting a  program director, and securing a beautiful new space on the High Point campus, the program officially launched in fall 2025 with its first cohort of 21 students."

Thanks to state grant funding, the program boasts 12 state-of-the-art ultrasound units—the same equipment graduates will use in their careers.

Now, as Frazee prepares for retirement, he and his wife Heather are planning their own transformation. They're converting a Ram ProMaster van into a fully equipped camper and preparing to travel across the U.S.

"Our first stops will include a test trip through Western North Carolina—Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley, and Nantahala National Forest—before heading west to Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and eventually Banff, Canada," Frazee said.

It's fitting that someone who has spent his career helping others navigate new paths is embarking on a literal journey of discovery.

"I will deeply miss the wonderful colleagues, faculty, and staff I've had the privilege to work with at GTCC," said Frazee. "The Health Sciences Division team, in particular, has been nothing short of amazing."

For more information on GTCC's health sciences programs, including the new Medical Sonography program, visit gtcc.edu/academics.