The Middlebury College Department of Athletics and the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation partnered to work  with Dr. Jen Fry throughout the 2024-25 academic year. Fry owns JenFryTalks, an organizational change firm that sits at the intersection of conflict and culture, and specializes in transforming organizational dynamics by addressing how conflict and culture shape leadership. 
 

"Working with the coaches, staff, and athletes at Middlebury was a powerful reminder that meaningful culture change starts with self-reflection," said Fry. "Their willingness to not just talk about conflict, but to examine their own roles in it, opened the door to honest, transformative conversations. When people at every level commit to working on themselves, conflict becomes a tool for growth—not just resolution. Middlebury showed what's possible when leadership, accountability, and personal development align."

 
Middlebury's year-round work with Fry began with several virtual strategy and leadership sessions leading up to her keynote event on Monday, March 31. On campus, Fry met with student-athlete leaders, ran a two-hour workshop for coaches and staff, hosted a strategy session for the leadership team, and had a keynote speaking engagement in the evening. The work will be capped in April with two additional virtual strategy sessions to ensure the work can continue in the coming years. 
 

"We are grateful to the folks on campus - Brian Lind, Lida Winfield, Sarah Stroup, and their team - for this partnership," said Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Communications Ali Paquette. "Having someone with direct experience in collegiate athletics helping us work at the intersection of conflict and culture has been essential for our community. Through this, we've forged a strong partnership with the conflict transformation office on campus, which is critical in ensuring this work continues beyond this year. Jen is a powerful leader who is transparent, thought-provoking and engaging. Our department has gained valuable tools from her, and we are excited to continue this work beyond."

 
Fry is a veteran volleyball coach with over 15 years of experience at the collegiate level. She received her PhD in Sports Geography from Michigan State University. 

This partnership is part of Middlebury's Panther+ program.