After completing her master’s in organizational communication and teaching at Palm Beach Community College, she realized a doctorate would be necessary to advance. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in communication from the University of Oklahoma in 1994 and accepted the position at Union shortly after. Her arrival marked the start of a long teaching career and deep connections to Union that have extended well beyond the classroom. 

[PHOTO: Marley-Frederick teaching students how to use a camera.]

“I’ve basically lived my whole adult life here,” Marley-Frederick shared. 

She met her husband, got married, and raised two children — all in less time than she has worked at Union. Her children grew up shaped by the university community: they received hand-knitted sweaters from faculty, played games and rode bikes with college students, and were often part of campus life. She remembers them being interviewed and videotaped for student projects in the university’s studio, watching someone dress up as Santa for them, and attending countless plays, concerts, and sporting events as a family.

Beyond enriching her family life, the Union community also played a crucial role in shaping her professional journey. “So many people in my 31 years here have given of themselves — their time, their muscle, their money, their expertise, so, so many. And so many of those people have influenced how I teach and who I am,” she explains, emphasizing the immense gratitude she feels for the support and influence of those around her.  Since her arrival, she benefited from the steady guidance of a close-knit group of Union faculty. Now, as she prepares for retirement, the support she once received is being paid forward through those she once taught.

Former students have become leaders and colleagues within Union Commonwealth University. One striking example is Union President Dr. DJ Washington, who was both a student and advisee of Marley-Frederick’s. Among his most vivid memories is how she handled the aftermath of a national tragedy: “I remember how caring and considerate Dr. Marley was during our classes the week of 9/11. She created space in the classroom to discuss how students felt and acknowledge the impact on families in or from New York at the time. She was a first-class mentor, coach, and teacher through it all.”

[PHOTO: Left to Right: Washington and Marley-Frederick at Fall 20024 Commencement]

“They learned to swim and to sing and play the piano at Union,” Marley-Frederick explains, highlighting the ways the university became not just a place of work but a second home for herself and her family.

Her lasting impact on students is echoed by other Union leaders as well. Former student Maisie Nelson, now Vice President of University Relations said, “Dr. Marley changed the course of my life. After taking one of her communications courses, I immediately switched my major — she sparked my passion for communications, especially persuasion.”

Many others have also conveyed their own fond memories of Marley-Frederick. Numerous speakers at her retirement party on April 3rd shared sentiments with a common theme: Marley-Frederick made people feel valued, comfortable, and believed in, creating an environment where everyone could thrive. Union trustee Haley McCoy, another former student, captured that feeling perfectly: “Dr. Marley is Union for me, and she remains a dear friend.”

[PHOTO:  Left to Right: Maisie Nelson, Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, and Haley McCoy.]

Jessie (Frisby) Miller, recalled, “My fondest memories of Dr. Marley are all of the times she joined us on excursions around campus to film whatever project we dreamed up next. Dr. Marley was always up for anything and always had kind words of encouragement for all of her students.”