A powerful new biography, Seasons of the Journey: The Biography of Dr. James Frank, sheds light on the extraordinary life of Dr. James Frank, the first and only African American president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Written by his wife of 60 years, Dr. Zelma Lloyd Frank, the book offers a deeply personal and inspiring look at a pioneering figure in American education and sports leadership.
Dr. James Frank’s legacy is vast and historic. Beyond his trailblazing role at the NCAA, he was:
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The first alumnus to serve as president of Lincoln University of Missouri
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The inaugural dean of students and vice president at Medgar Evers College, CUNY
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The first full-time commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Seasons of the Journey explores these milestones in depth, capturing not only professional accomplishments but also the personal resilience, integrity, and dedication that defined Dr. Frank’s life. The biography blends historical detail with heartfelt narrative, recounting pivotal moments in education, civil rights, and sports.
A Life of Leadership and Legacy
In the book’s foreword, Dr. Mark A. Emmert, former NCAA president, reflects:
“It is extraordinarily rare to find someone who has achieved each of those accomplishments — and indeed many more — in a single lifetime. This story deserves our attention because James Frank did all those things, and we should all know his story and learn from his example.”
Dr. Frank’s legacy lives on through:
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A dedicated room at the NCAA national headquarters in Indianapolis
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Buildings and wings named in his honor at Lincoln University
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The SWAC headquarters building in Birmingham, Alabama
He was also a proud lifelong member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, and the Lincoln University Alumni Association.
Availability
Seasons of the Journey: The Biography of Dr. James Frank is available now at DrJamesFrank.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers.
This compelling biography not only honors a historic leader but also offers readers an enduring message of perseverance, purpose, and possibility.
