Frieze, Henry S. (Henry Simmons), 1817-1889

Professor of Latin and acting president of University of Michigan.

Henry Simmons Frieze was born in Boston on September 15, 1817. He was educated at Brown University where he supported himself through his skills as an organist. Upon graduation in 1841, Frieze served as an instructor at Brown University and its grammar school. In 1854, Frieze was called to succeed Professor Haven as professor of Latin language and literature of the University of Michigan.

In 1869, Frieze was selected acting president of the University serving until 1871 when James B. Angell took office. During this period, women were first admitted to the university. Also while acting president, Frieze worked to improve the connection between the university and the high schools of the state through the establishment of the diploma system whereby schools that had been approved by a faculty committee could send students with diplomas for admission without examination.

Frieze also served as acting president on two other occasions when Angell was involved in diplomatic assignments from June 1880 to February 1882 and from October 1887 to January 1888. During the earlier of these periods, the university established schools of political science and mechanical engineering and also a professorship of music leading eventually to the formation of the University School of Music.

Frieze died December 7, 1889.