The Philanderian Dr. Frank James - Philander Smith College

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COVER STORY James’ Actions Honored in the City’s Walk of Civil Rights Fame Frank James has come a long way from the 19-year-old college student who was arrested after being thrown out of a downtown Little Rock retail store. That was March 1960 and since then, the 72-year-old math professor has been honored for his arrest and the courage it took for him to participate in what are recognized now as lifechanging, historical events. Stroll along President Clinton Avenue and stop in front of the Old Statehouse. Look down. Frank James’ name is emblazoned into the sidewalk on a brass lined placard. His name joins 10 others on the An old newspaper photo showing Dr. James (at right in back) along with fellow protestors and their attorney talking with the prosecutor during arraignment. 10 Dr. Frank Arkansas Civil
James ‘61 Rights Honoree Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail. The sidewalk memorial was dedicated in July when the state honored several participants of the Civil Rights era who traveled the country on a commemorative tour recognizing the 50 th anniversary of the Sit Ins. “I thought this was a pretty important memorial they gave to those of us who at the time were considered nuisances,” said James who also cofounded the Arkansas version of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committees (SNCC). James and other college students in the 1960s staged the sit ins at Woolworths to call attention to the retailer’s discriminating practices. He was jailed on charges of disturbing the peace. He returned to school and proceeded to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1961. “I was a full time student at Philander Smith College at the time and I knew this was the right thing to do,” recalled James. “I’m honored to have this act memorialized. Maybe it will inspire students who have yet to realize that something like this happened down here… This shows that I made a difference in the history of this state.” James was named Vice President for Academic Affairs in January 2007. In his nearly 30-year-career at PSC, Dr. James has served in various capacities, COVER STORY including Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs (October 2006-January 2007); Chairman of Mathematics and Computer Science (1988-2006); and Director of Computer Information Services, and Professor of Mathematics (1999-Present). He is now responsible for the day-to-day operations of the college’s Academic Affairs Division, a team of professors and professionals who offer curricula that lead to more than 15 degree programs in six academic areas: Academic Success Program, Academic Advising, the Donald W. Reynolds Library & Technology Center, Institutional Research and Assessment, as well as accreditation, sponsored programs and grants. He holds a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in mathematics from New York University. He joined the Philander Smith faculty in 1999 after serving as director of graduate studies and professor of mathematics at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (1985- 1999). His other professional experiences include having served as a lecturer at Queens College in Flushing, New York (1970-1971) and assistant professor of mathematics at Grambling University (1965-1970). 11
Page 1 and 2: Fall 2011 The Philanderian Dr. Fran
Page 3 and 4: The Philanderian FALL 2011 Presiden
Page 5 and 6: President’s Luncheon Honors Bisho
Page 7 and 8: GIVING The following lists include
Page 9: Holiday Breakfast Cheer The Greater
Page 13 and 14: AROUND CAMPUS Obama Cabinet Member
Page 15 and 16: The grand opening of the Residentia
Page 17 and 18: Academic Success Center Paves the W
Page 19 and 20: Little Rock, AR 72204 Phone: (501)
Page 21 and 22: Please type or print clearly. REGIS
Page 23 and 24: Mrs. Dorothy V. K. Jones ‘53 Feb.

The Philanderian Dr. Frank James - Philander Smith College

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