Alumni Spotlight: Andy and Krista Frohling

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world.

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Meet Andy and Krista Frohling, who are both alums, but they didn’t meet until after graduation. Krista earned a BA in Photography in 2008, while Andy received a MA in Education in 2011.

Did you meet at Webster?

Krista: No, we didn't meet until after I graduated. However, I did agree to go on our first date because I knew he was a Webster student, and that denoted a level of quality in a human. I was right, he was and is a keeper.

What enticed you to choose Webster for your degree?

Krista: I chose Webster because it had an impressive photography department, and I fell in love with the beautiful campus after touring with my sister while she was an undergraduate there.

Andy: The community that Webster is housed within was welcoming and walkable. I loved being able to walk around the town before and after class. The faculty at Webster were welcoming and proved to be an integral part of my success within my master's program.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

Krista: The faculty at Webster made my experience something special. I was able to walk out of my photography program and launch straight into running my own small business, and it set me up for success to start my graduate studies which led to my current role as a dean at William Woods University. I even worked at Webster for a while as an adjunct faculty. It's very much made me who I am today.

Bill Barrett was one of those professors that left a lasting impact and always had my back — from a smile in the hall, to a recommendation letter or attending my art exhibitions after I graduated. Barrett Baebler (yes, I mixed up their emails endlessly) launched the Entrepreneurship program while I was a student at Webster, and I was able to gain valuable knowledge in running my own business. I was able to graduate from among the first group of students with a certificate of Entrepreneurship. The entire photography department faculty has proven to be a constant cheerleader in my life and support system. While I was teaching alongside them as an adjunct, I had the worst imposter syndrome. It was like having lunch with your heroes. Susan Stang, Tom Barkman, Dominique Macaire and Greg Landrum, just to name a few, were and continue to be individuals I hold in high esteem within the photographic industry. I will forever be indebted to their expertise, kindness and the incredible educational foundation they gave me.

Andy: I thoroughly enjoyed my courses within the art department making paper and sculpture. The faculty were the highlight of my Webster experience, as well. They helped me progress in my studies within art and education to gain some of the foundational knowledge I use in my career today.

How did your Webster degree help advance you in your career?

Krista: Webster has an incredible photography department, and I left with a technical knowledge in photography that far surpassed any of my expectations. The passionate instructors and well-supported department in both supplies and facilities gave me a top-notch education that allowed me the confidence to step out into the industry knowing I had what it took to be successful. For close to two decades, I ran my own photography business that I started while a student at Webster. I often find myself remembering the lessons and kindness my faculty exhibited and try to reflect that in my own teaching.

Andy: Webster did a great job providing me with student teaching opportunities. I find myself frequently applying the skills I learned in the Education Department within my career as part of what I do is help educate my co-workers on workflow and new technologies. I walked away with strong communication, educational leadership and a solid foundation in the arts.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Krista: I loved sitting in the windows of the library on the quad on those warm spring days once the world started to thaw. I also spent a vast majority of my excess time camping out in the Webster darkroom and photography studio. I could frequently be found sitting on the counter in the darkroom waiting for prints to wash/dry.

What has your life journey looked like?

Krista: I grew up in Hillsboro, Missouri. During my time at Webster, I started my photography business and continued working as a freelance photographer until last year. After graduating Webster, I bought my first house in Affton, Missouri, that year (it was a fixer-upper, but I wanted an investment in myself). Andy and I met around that time, and we started dating. Not only was he also a Webster student, but he helped rehab my house in lieu of going out on dates, so I knew he was a keeper and willing to work hard.

Fast forward to 2011, Andy and I got married and I started my MFA degree at SIUC a few months later. In 2013 we had our first child, Lila, and I graduated with my MFA. I started my work as an adjunct professor during that time and continued working on my business. In 2017 we had our twins, Eden and Clay, and found our darling little home in Affton was too small, and we moved out to High Ridge, Missouri, to stretch out a bit more. I started working as an assistant professor of art and photography at William Woods in 2022, I completed my MA in Art History and Visual Culture from Lindenwood in 2024, and was promoted to dean in the summer of 2024. Since then, we have moved to Columbia, Missouri, where we reside today. 

Andy: I grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska. I began my college undergraduate career at the Colorado Institute of Art and completed my four-year degree at the University of Central Missouri, graduating with a BFA in Communication Arts and Graphic Design and Minor in Music and Photography. I moved to St. Louis while working at various graphic design positions and began my time at Webster shortly thereafter. The rest, Krista summed up well with her timeline.

How do you spend your free time?

Krista: We spend our free time traveling and tent camping in National Parks over the summer with our three kids. We also love gardening, biking the Katy Trail and spending time at wineries.