If you meet Dr. James Frank you may notice his quiet, peaceful demeanor; affable personality; and humble conversation. Within those characteristics, there is also a graceful, strong presence about him that leads you to believe there’s more than meets the eye. You’d be right.
Frank is the first African-American Membership President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
And this man who once was a decision-maker at NCAA now has a conference room named in his honor where other decision-makers can gather.
“This is a historic moment for the NCAA national office. This reminds us how important it is to remember we drink from wells we did not dig. We’re gathered here for a long overdue opportunity to celebrate Dr. James Frank,” said Bernard Franklin, executive vice-president for education and community engagement/chief inclusion officer at the NCAA.
In a recent private ceremony consisting of a handful of Frank’s family, friends and former colleagues, Franklin and former NCAA president Cedric Dempsey shared their sentiments on Frank and his life’s achievements.
Frank then stood, took out his notes, and gave a speech that was humorous, modest and inspirational.
“The NCAA is a first-class organization—they know how to do things. It’s been a great experience to see it evolve,” said Frank. “This has been a great journey and I thank all that saw fit to have a room named after me.”
After his speech, Frank and his wife Zelma gingerly removed a sheet that covered an image of Frank during the time of his NCAA tenure.
“This (event) makes me so proud. Dr. Frank represents the most outstanding qualities of our alumni,” said Lincoln University President, Dr. Kevin Rome Sr., who attended the ceremony. “He’s on our foundation board and every time we’re in a meeting, I learn more about his leadership, his concern, and his ability to get people to make the right decision that supports students.”
A standout in basketball, baseball and track and field in high school, Frank attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., receiving a bachelor’s degree of education. Next, he received a master’s degree of education from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.
In 1956 Frank served as assistant basketball coach at Lincoln for two years before being named head coach. He returned to Springfield to receive his doctorate degree then became a teacher and basketball coach at Hunter College before serving as Dean of Students and vice president for academic affairs at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York.
In 1973, Frank returned to Lincoln as the school’s president, becoming the first alumnus to serve in this capacity.
During his presidency at Lincoln, Frank became the first African-American college president to be named the NCAA’s secretary-treasurer (1979-1980) and Membership President (1981-1983). In these roles he developed a governance plan that brought women’s sports under the NCAA’s umbrella, enhanced presidential collaboration through the NCAA’s Long-Range Planning Committee, and presided over the 1983 NCAA Convention that adopted Proposition 48, the legislation that set higher initial-eligibility standards for incoming student-athletes.
“He was able to accomplish things without a lot of confrontation. To me in leadership roles, that’s a key factor. He got things done without stepping over everyone. To me, that’s one of his best qualities,” said Dempsey.
In the late 1980s, Frank helped establish the Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee. The group, still active today, is devoted to ensuring that diversity is considered in the association’s policy decisions.
After his post with Lincoln University and the NCAA, Frank went on to become the commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, a position he held until 1998. He temporarily resumed the post from 2001 to 2002.
In 2006, Frank was named one of NCAA’s 100 most influential student-athletes. He was also awarded the NCAA’s Gerald R. Ford Award in 2008, an honor presented to an individual who has provided significant leadership as an advocate for higher education and intercollegiate athletics over the course of their career.
“There’s one factor I’d like to correct. When you read my resume it says I was a star in baseball, basketball and track. A star in track… that is a lie,” said Frank, giving the room dedication attendees a laugh. He then tells a story about how he was asked to simply run and that was how he made the track team. “I practiced hard, but I don’t know how well I helped the team.”
During the dedication, the 84-year-old was sure to acknowledge his wife of 57 years, Zelma.
“I’ve always been impressed with his ‘stick-to-it-ness’ and knowledge. It’s been interesting watching him in these different positions. I just give suggestions whenever I can,” said Zelma. In addition to being “the wind beneath his wings,” Zelma has also attended NCAA men’s basketball tournaments with her husband and family members for the past 30 years.
He also acknowledged his sons, Trent and Troy.
“Trent has missed a lot of occasions like this because he was in the service. Troy didn’t miss a thing—he was always around. Troy was a ball boy for many years until he finished high school. We nicknamed him ‘Ball boy Emeritus,’” said Frank, winning another laugh from the crowd.
Troy commented that during his childhood, he didn’t fully appreciate his father’s accomplishments, but appreciates the NCAA’s recognition.
“He’s always ‘just dad’ but it’s a blessing to see how others admire and revere my father,” said Troy.
Frank also thanked his nephew, Clifton Johnson, who has been instrumental in spreading the word about his uncle’s legacy.
“He thinks his NCAA presidency is old news, but his story is one that needs to be shared. He’s accomplished so much and I’m going to do everything I can to help his legacy live on,” said Johnson.
