Del Mar College names retired Drama faculty member Michael “Kim” Frederick as newest Professor Emeritus
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January
2026
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23:40 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Longtime theatre educator recognized for extensive career at college as well as work for Coastal Bend’s performing arts community
Article b: Richard Guerrero, Jr.
Board of Regents meeting December 2025
Recently, college officials announced the conferral of the title Professor Emeritus of Drama to Frederick, recognizing his career defined by passion, service and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts. He was awarded the distinction during the DMC Board of Regents regular monthly meeting on Dec. 9.
“Emeritus” status is among the highest honors the college can bestow and is reserved for faculty whose careers reflect distinguished service, meritorious teaching and significant contributions to higher education. For more than 36 years, Frederick embodied those ideals on the stage, in the classroom and throughout the community.
As a Professor of Drama, Frederick served as an exemplary educator and mentor, teaching a wide range of theater courses, developing new curricula, and directing more than 50 productions. His work supported the college’s earliest Dual Enrollment students and helped generations of learners discover confidence, discipline and voice through theater. His dedication to teaching excellence was recognized statewide when the Texas Association of Theatre Educators named him Community College Educator of the Year in 2017.
Beyond the classroom, Frederick’s leadership shaped the growth and national standing of Del Mar College’s Drama Program. He served for more than two decades as Drama Program Coordinator and later as Chair of the Art and Drama Department. Through thoughtful assessment and continuous improvement, he was instrumental in achieving national accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Theatre—a milestone that elevated the Drama Program and its students. Frederick also championed the creation of new art and drama facilities, including the Sue Finley Theatre, which opened in 2012 and remains a cornerstone of campus cultural life.
Bertha and Vera_Del Mar Drama_Greater Tuna_Fall 2024
Del Mar Drama faculty member Carl Yowell (left) and now-retired Drama faculty member Kim Frederick played multiple roles in the scholarship fundraiser production, “Greater Tuna,” in fall 2024. (DMC Drama publicity photo)
DMC Drama faculty in 2008
The faculty members of the Drama Department at Del Mar College gather for a photo on a stairwell in the Art & Drama Building in this archive photo. They are (from left): Carl Yowell, Craig Brashears, Shara Haghjoo and Kim Frederick. (College Relations archive photo)
Radio Talk Time co-hosts_Thurston and Arles_Del Mar Drama_Greater Tuna_Fall 2024
Del Mar Drama Professor Carl Yowell played the role of Thurston while now-retired Drama Professor Kim Frederick played the role of Aries in the scholarship fundraiser production, “Greater Tuna,” in fall 2024. (DMC Drama publicity photo)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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