In Memoriam: Frederick W. Pierce, IV
Jun 24, 2024
With profound sadness, Franklin Pierce University shares the passing of Frederick W. Pierce, IV, a distinguished member of our Board of Trustees since 2017 and its Chair from 2019 to 2023. Fred passed away in San Diego, CA after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable leadership and commitment to Franklin Pierce University.
Fred spent his career in real estate investment, development, consulting, finance, and acquisition. Since 1995, he served as the President, CEO, and principal shareholder of Pierce Education Properties, L.P. (“PEP”), a Top 25 national owner, operator, and developer of student housing. Prior to founding PEP, he led significant divisions for KPMG/Goodkin Group and was handpicked by Price Waterhouse, now PwC, to launch their real estate consulting practice.
We remember Fred for his immense energy, generosity, and deep-rooted connection to our University – a connection he discovered through his passion for history and a lineage linked to President Franklin Pierce himself. His commitment was further embodied by him and his wife, Christine’s unwavering support and friendship to our University community. Their dedication was most recently extended when earlier this month we announced their gift of $1.75 million in support of our new Student Success Center – the largest philanthropic commitment in our history.
Fred’s tenure on the Board was marked by visionary leadership and unwavering commitment. He was instrumental in steering the development and execution of our current strategic plan, Pierce@60, which has set a robust foundation for our University's future. His acumen and strategic foresight have been pivotal in navigating the challenges and opportunities we face as an academic community. This was most evident while he served as Chair of the Board through the COVID pandemic. Additionally, Fred recently co-chaired the Presidential Search Committee, a role in which his insightful, balanced approach to leadership decisions shone brightly.
Fred’s commitment to service extended beyond Franklin Pierce. He held numerous prestigious roles including Chairman of the National Multifamily Housing Council Student Housing Research Fund Advisory board, Trustee Emeritus of the California State University System, Vice Chair of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation, Chair-Elect of the San Diego State University’s Campanile Foundation (endowment), and many more. His insights and leadership have been integral to the growth and success of these institutions.
As we mourn the loss of such a significant figure at Franklin Pierce, we also celebrate the immense contributions he has made to our community and to the broader higher education landscape. He will always be remembered as a proud member of Raven Nation.
Fred leaves behind a wife, Christine, and two daughters, Riley and Peyton.
