AFAM 80-001
Thursdays 7-9:30PM
Dr. Jo Anne Murphy
Freeman Professor

 Biographies

Biography of William F. Freeman
Trustee of Drew University

William F. Freeman
President, Public Communications Group
Verizon

Trustee William M. Freeman graduated from Drew University's College of Liberal Arts in 1974 with a degree in economics. He earned an MBA from Rutgers University in 1981. Freeman began his successful career in the telecommunications field soon after he completed his studies at Drew, joining New Jersey Bell, the predecessor of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey and Verizon. He became the first African-American to lead the company, serving as Bell Atlantic-New Jersey's President and CEO. He is currently the President of Verizon's Public Communications Group.

Freeman has actively supported his alma mater over the years as both a volunteer and a donor. His most recent gift to the University has endowed the Ellen and William M. Freeman Seminars in African-American Studies, which brings to Drew visiting adjunct professors to teach courses and deliver special lectures designed to introduce a stronger African-American perspective into the curriculum.

Freeman joined Drew's Board of Trustees in 1999, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Finance Committee. He is also a former trustee of Gallaudet University in Washington, DC and has also served on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, including the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Prosperity New Jersey, Inc., and Summit Bancorp.

Freeman and his wife Ellen have four children – Dwayne, Thomas, Keri, and Ashley. They reside in Warren, NJ.