Hall of Fame

James Frank

  • Class
  • Induction
    2006
  • Sport(s)
    SWAC Office
  • SWAC
Leadership in the NCAA
  • Dr. Frank made major inroads at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — he was the first African American and first college president to serve as NCAA President (1981–1983).
  • During his NCAA tenure he:
    • Chaired the governance sub-committee that oversaw inclusion of women’s sports and championships under the NCAA umbrella (arguing that “‘separate but equal’ does not lead to equality”).
    • Presided over the passing of Proposition 48 (eligibility standards for incoming freshmen) which aimed at raising graduation rates for student-athletes.
    • Was involved in formation of the Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee which advanced diversity of NCAA leadership.
Commissioner of the SWAC
  • In 1983, Dr. Frank left Lincoln University to become Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
  • He served as full-time Commissioner from 1983 until his retirement in 1998.
  • He later returned as Interim Commissioner from April 2001 until December 2002 (about 20 months) to help with a transition.
  • Under his leadership:
    • The SWAC membership expanded (including additions such as Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff).
    • He helped position the SWAC as a nationally respected conference of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), strengthening its athletics profile (men’s and women’s).
  • The SWAC now honors his legacy:
    • The SWAC’s all-sports award is named the James Frank Commissioner’s Cup in his honor.
    • In 2023 the SWAC announced the naming of their conference office headquarters as the “Dr. James Frank Building.”
Awards & recognitions
  • In 2001, the National Football Foundation announced Dr. Frank would receive the Distinguished American Award, recognizing his contributions to intercollegiate athletics.
  • He was named among the NCAA’s “100 Most Influential Student-Athletes” during its centennial celebration.
  • He won the Gerald R. Ford Award from the NCAA in 2007 (honoring individuals whose leadership and contributions to college sport are significant).