Fred McFarlane

Fred McFarlane was a former professor emeritus and the founding chair of the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) at San Diego State University (SDSU). He was a champion for equity through his support of the disability community and leadership initiatives. McFarlane joined SDSU in 1972 to coordinate a certificate program in rehabilitation counseling, which he expanded into a nationally recognized Master of Science program that prepares professionals to empower individuals with disabilities. The rehabilitation counseling program is now ranked among the top in the nation. McFarlane served as ARPE’s founding chair and led the development of programs in community college leadership, student affairs, and leadership studies. He was also the founding codirector of SDSU’s Interwork Institute. McFarlane had extensive state, national, and international experience in leadership and program development in education and rehabilitation. McFarlane earned his PhD from the University of Georgia.

updated 2024