Fox Cities News

Alan Freitag ’73, professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and retired military officer, will be honored with a 2024 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Distinguished Alumni Award during Homecoming weekend this fall.

Freitag, a resident of Denver, North Carolina, retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1995 as a lieutenant colonel after 22.5 years of service. His military career included nearly ten years in Europe, four years at the Pentagon, and two years in Hawaii.

After his military service, Freitag earned a Ph.D. in mass communication with a specialization in public relations from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in 1999. He subsequently served as a professor and assistant dean at UNC Charlotte until his retirement in 2021.

Freitag began his education by earning an associate degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1971. He then obtained a bachelor of science degree in radio TV film from UW Oshkosh in 1973 and a master’s degree in business administration and public administration from Webster University in 1977.

“In both the academic and professional practice arenas of his discipline, he is recognized as a thought leader and innovator,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Emeritus Philip Dubois. “Dr. Freitag has built a sterling reputation, first as an Air Force officer and subsequently as an educator of the highest mark.”

Professor Dean Kruckeberg stated that he joined UNC Charlotte based on the strength of the public relations program that Freitag had developed over ten years—a program Kruckeberg considered among the finest globally.

Freitag’s career includes conducting numerous workshops, guest lecturing both domestically and internationally, and participating extensively in community service efforts—many based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His community involvement includes hosting dinners for State Department-sponsored visits by international leaders.

Freitag expressed pride in his senior military roles at the Pentagon and with NATO; completing his doctorate; reaching full professor rank; supporting veteran students at UNC Charlotte; and leading lives dedicated to faith alongside his wife.

He credited instructors at UW Oshkosh for inspiring him to set higher goals for himself. “I had very limited aspirations at that time in my life,” he said. “Faculty at UW Oshkosh...equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to pursue higher goals.”

Freitag also acknowledged Robert “Doc” Snyder as an influential mentor throughout his career.

The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will honor thirteen alumni during Homecoming weekend on October 18-19. Alongside Freitag receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award are three others; two alumni will receive Outstanding Service Awards while seven will be honored with Outstanding Young Alumni Awards.