Franklin Pierce University Announces 2025 Honorary Degree Recipient and Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award
Apr 2, 2025
Frederick W. Pierce IV and James McKim to be celebrated at University’s 60th Commencement Exercises
Franklin Pierce University will award one honorary degree and the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award as part of the University’s 60th Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 10.
This year’s honorary degree will be awarded posthumously to Frederick W. Pierce IV, former University Board of Trustees Chair and longtime supporter of Franklin Pierce’s commitment to student success.
In addition, James McKim will receive the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award, named for New Hampshire’s distinguished 72nd governor and the second president of Franklin Pierce University.
“It is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of our honorary degree and Peterson Award recipients and welcome them as an important part of this year's commencement celebrations,” said President Dr. Peter Eden. “Both honorees have provided lasting contributions to our university and to their respective fields.”
Frederick W. Pierce IV was a distinguished member of the University's Board of Trustees for seven years and its Chair from 2019 to 2023. Fred passed away in San Diego, CA after a brief illness in June 2024, leaving behind a legacy of significant leadership and commitment to Franklin Pierce.
Mr. Pierce 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.
Mr. Pierce’s tenure on the Board was marked by visionary leadership and unwavering commitment. Also, his business acumen and strategic foresight were pivotal in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, including when he served as Chair of the Board through the COVID pandemic and as co-chair of the 2024 Presidential Search Committee. Fred is also remembered for his energy, generosity to Pierce and many other institutions, and deep-rooted belief in education.
James McKim, PMP, ITIL is a consultant, facilitator, author, frequent conference presenter, and guest on radio and television shows focusing on the topic of organizational performance. As Managing Partner at Organizational Ignition, he has helped small and large organizations in many industries to spark efficiency and growth by aligning people, process, and technology. Mr. McKim excels at bridging business and technology, and he has a well-known knack for quickly assessing the “big picture” of a situation, identifying critical success factors, prioritizing solutions, and bringing a project management disciplined approach to facilitating organizational improvements.
Mr. McKim has been recognized by innumerable organizations, and he is dedicated to creating mutually beneficial outcomes for organizations and their employees. Among numerous other awards, he was named in 2021 as one of New Hampshire’s Top 200 Business Leaders.
James has a true understanding of current trends in the development, selection, deployment, and revenue realization of human and technology capital. He has played diverse roles including developer, trainer, facilitator, consultant, director, adjunct professor, CIO/CTO, and president for organizations such as Digital Equipment Corp, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and F.I.R.S.T. He has also co-founded several companies ranging from a management consulting firm that specialized in facilitating strategic use of information through both non-human and human means to a provider of asset tracking products & services.
Mr. McKim is well-versed in the effects public policy can have on organizations and individuals. He has served as Chair of the Software Association of New Hampshire, Chair of the NH Tech Alliance Technology Committee, member of the NH International Trade Advisory Board, and an advisor to governors and legislators.
Mr. McKim believes strongly in giving back to the community. He is Chair of the Episcopal Church’s National Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism. He serves in leadership roles on several Boards including New Hampshire Public Broadcasting, Global Citizens Circle Board, and is Past President of the Manchester Branch of the NAACP.
The honorary degree and Peterson Award recipients will join families and friends in celebrating Franklin Pierce University’s Class of 2025 at their commencement on the Rindge Campus. For more information about Franklin Pierce University’s 2025 Commencement Exercises, please click here.
