FRANCES LUCAS, PH.D.

Dr. Frances Lucas

Frances Lucas has served in higher education leadership positions for 34 years at six institutions and has either served as a vice president or president for 28 of those years.

She got her start in higher education as an active, engaged student leader at Mississippi State University (MSU), where she was president of her sorority, director of the Student Union Board, named Most Outstanding Senior Woman, listed in the MSU Hall of Fame, initiated into Who’s Who Among College and University Students, and honored by Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Dr. Lucas completed her course work for her masters and doctoral degrees in Administration of Higher Education at the University of Alabama. She also worked full time in the residence life department of the student affairs division. She rose quickly from being a hall director of a small residence hall to the director of the largest residence hall in her second year. In year three, she was promoted to area coordinator, and in her fifth year, she became the Residence Life Coordinator, overseeing the staff of all 18 residence halls.

She returned to her alma mater, MSU, to serve as Assistant Dean of Students for three years. While there, she completed her dissertation for her doctoral degree and was named Mississippi’s Most Outstanding Young Career Woman by the international organization Business and Professional Women.

At age 29, Dr. Lucas was named the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) at Baldwin Wallace College (BWC) in Ohio, making her the youngest VPSA in the country and the first female vice president in the history of BWC. During her six years there, she was named BWC’s Most Outstanding Female Administrator.

Dr. Lucas moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with her three-month-old son to assume the position of Vice President of Campus Life at Emory University and led that division of 22 departments for eight years. During her second year, she gave birth to her daughter and learned about the challenges and joys of balancing life as an executive and mother. She was the first female vice president in the institution’s history, and she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Division of Campus Life while working at Emory.

At age 42, she was named the 10th President of Millsaps College and the first female college president in the history of the state of Mississippi. During her decade of leadership, the college experienced record enrollments and record giving rates by alumni, faculty, and staff. Dr. Lucas also served as president of several national and regional organizations during her tenure at Millsaps.

During her decade-long presidency, she garnered many awards, including Most Outstanding Business Woman in Mississippi. She also won the highest award given by her sorority, the International Shield Award of Delta Gamma, for her exemplary leadership.

Dr. Lucas then became the Vice President and Campus Executive Officer for The University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast (USM, GC). She worked tirelessly to acquire the federal monies needed to restore two of the five teaching sites that had been massively damaged by Hurricane Katrina. In her third year, she was able to cut the ribbons on $36 million of completed construction that had not been planned before her arrival.

While serving as the VP and CEO of USM, GC, for four years, she received three coveted awards: Outstanding Gulf Coast Community Leader, entering the Roland Weeks Hall of Fame; Most Outstanding Woman of South Mississippi, recognized by the organization Business and Professional Women; and Most Outstanding Mississippi Woman in Education, awarded by the Women’s Commission on the Status of Women.

During her time at USM, Dr. Lucas taught in the masters and doctoral programs of Human Capital Development. While teaching, her passions for motivating employees, increasing productivity, and building healthy happy teams grew, resulting in the establishment of Frances Lucas Consulting, LLC, in 2015.

View a full list of experience and qualifications below.

Professional Experience

July 2014-present President, Frances Lucas Consulting, LLC

July 2014-July 2015 Professor of Practice, Human Capital Development Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast, Long Beach, MS

July 2010-June 2014 Vice President and Campus Executive Officer, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast, Long Beach, MS

July 2000-June 2010 President, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS

Named as first female president of Millsaps College and was the first woman college president in Mississippi. Provided overall leadership and strategic direction for a private, nationally ranked liberal arts college, which enrolled approximately 1,100 undergraduate and 100 graduate students.

July 1992-July 2000     Senior Vice President for Campus Life, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Named first female vice president at Emory University; served as a member of President’s Cabinet making university-wide decisions for a premier private research university enrolling 6,000 undergraduate students and 5,500 graduate students; supervised a $44 million budget and 650 employees.

July 1986-July 1992      Vice President for Student Affairs, Baldwin Wallace College, Berea, OH

At age 29, named first woman vice president at Baldwin Wallace, becoming the youngest Vice President of Student Affairs in the country; led student life for a private, liberal arts institution enrolling 4,800 students and employing 1,100 faculty and staff.

October 1983-July 1986     Assistant Dean for Student Life, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS

July 1979-October 1983     Residence Life Coordinator, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

Education

2009 International Leadership Training Institute on Prejudice Reduction, National Coalition Building Institute

1990 Harvard University Institute for Education Leadership

1985 Ph.D., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, in Administration of Higher Education, with minors in Research, Human Resource Management, Continuing Education, and a Proficiency in Network Analysis

1980 M.A., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, in Administration of Higher Education

1978 B.A., Mississippi State University in Communications with Public Relations emphasis, graduating with honors

Keynote Addresses

Over 85 national and regional conferences, including the following.

  • Associated College Unions International Convention: "100 Year Anniversary Leadership Panel," 2014, Orlando, FL

  • Tri Delta Sorority National Conference: "You Are Your Sister’s Keeper," 2011, Dallas, TX

  • Phi Mu National Advisors Annual Meeting: "Communicating with Today’s Students," 2011, Peachtree City, GA

  • Delta Gamma National Chapter Advisors Seminar: "What Will We Do with the Millennials?," 2011, Columbus, OH

  • Kappa Delta National Convention: "Hazing: Don’t Do It," 2011, Tucson, AZ

  • Southern Methodist University Women’s Week: "Leading Ladies," 2010, Dallas, TX

  • National Panhellenic Conference Annual Meeting: "Ten Commandments for Working with Today’s Students," 2010, Grapevine, TX

  • National Women’s Leadership Institute: "Courage in the Work Place," 2010, 2009, and 2008, Amelia Island, FL

  • National Association for Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church Annual President's Meeting, "What Leadership?," 2008, Denver, CO

  • Associated College Unions International Convention: "Inviting Success," 2007, Atlanta, GA

  • Phi Delta Theta National Emerging Leader Institute: "Gentlemen: What Presidents Want," 2006, Miami, OH (first female keynote for the organization)

  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators: "Become a President . . . or Not," 2003, St. Louis, MO

Higher Education Association Keynotes

  • Alice Manicure National Symposium, Director and Faculty Member (two years)

  • Amelia Island National Higher Education Women’s Leadership Conference (three years)

  • American Association of University Women

  • American Council on Education: Women’s Workshop to Advance to President

  • American Council on Education National Convention: Women’s Network Association

  • Associated Colleges of the South, Student Affairs Conference

  • Association of College Unions International Conference (two years)

  • College Personnel Administrators of Kentucky

  • First Year Experience National Convention

  • Georgia Residence Hall Association

  • Louisiana Statewide Student Affairs Drive-In Conference

  • Mid-America Greek Conference

  • Mississippi Association of College Student Affairs Conference

  • Mississippi Foundation of Independent Colleges

  • Mississippi Association of Colleges State Meeting

  • National Academic Advisory Association Region 4

  • National Association of Campus Activities

  • National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church

  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) National Convention

  • NASPA Region IV Conference (Great Lakes)

  • NASPA Region III Conference (South)

  • NASPA Region III Mid-Manager’s Institute Faculty Member (three years)

  • National Institute for Aspiring Senior Student Affairs Officers

  • National Symposium for the Recruitment and Retention of Students

  • Southern Association of Career Educators

  • Southern Association of College Student Administrators Conference

  • Southern Graduate Student and Faculty Forum

  • Southeastern College Housing Officers Convention

  • University Athletic Association National Student Leadership Conference

  • Women’s Network in Higher Education State Convention of Mississippi

University Keynotes, Workshops, and Consultations

  • Allegheny College: Greek Week

  • Baldwin Wallace College: Convocation

  • Bowling Green University: Greek Week; College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineers

  • Brandeis University: Academic Advising

  • Cleveland State University: Residence Life Conference

  • Colorado College: Greek Week

  • DePauw University: Greek Week

  • Emory University: Convocation

  • Florida Gulf Coast University: Dean of Students Team

  • Florida State University: Alumni Association Hardee Celebration

  • Furman University: Student Affairs Conference

  • Georgia State University: Student Leadership Conference

  • Hiram College: Convocation

  • Huntington College: Convocation

  • Kennesaw State University: Student Affairs

  • Louisiana State University: Student Affairs Drive-In Conference

  • Loyola University: Student Affairs Retreat; Academic Advisory Consultation; President's Cabinet

  • Mansfield College: Student and Academic Affairs

  • Memphis State University: Student Affairs Conference

  • Millersburg University: President Organization Redesign

  • Mississippi University for Women: Alumni Association

  • Piedmont College: Convocation

  • Sanford University: Student Leadership Conference

  • Southern Methodist University: Student Affairs Conference; Women’s Week

  • Texas Christian University: Student Affairs; Career Development; Housing and Residence Life; Religious and Spiritual Life

  • University of Alabama: Higher Education Program; Greek Leadership Retreat

  • University of Alabama at Montgomery: Student Leadership Conference

  • University of Denver: Board of Trustees

  • University of Houston, Clearlake: Academic Affairs

  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette: President's Cabinet

  • University of Louisiana, Monroe: School of Nursing

  • University of Louisville: Pathways for Women

  • University of Miami: Student Affairs; Continuing Education; Residence Life; Recreation Center

  • University of Mississippi: Greek Leadership Retreat; Student Affairs; National Sea Grant Law Center

  • University of North Carolina, Charlotte: Student Affairs; General Counsel's Office

  • University of South Carolina: Student Affairs

  • University of Southern Mississippi: Student Leadership Retreat

  • University of West Florida: President's Cabinet; Academic Engagement; Student Affairs; Enrollment Management; Finance and Administration; Human Resources Advancement; Research and Strategic Innovation

Greek Organization Keynotes

  • Colorado College Greek Week

  • Delta Gamma National Convention (two years)

  • Delta Gamma National Officers Training

  • DePaul University Greek Week

  • Kappa Delta National Convention

  • Lambda Chi Fraternity Convention

  • National Panhellenic Convention

  • Phi Delta Theta National Emerging Leader Institute

  • Sigma Phi Epsilon National Convention

  • Southeastern Panhellenic Conference

  • Southern Inter-Fraternity Association

  • Tri Delta National Convention (two years)

  • University of Alabama Greek Leadership Retreat

CIVIC Organization Keynotes AND SPEECHES

  • American Heart Association Go Red Luncheon, Hattiesburg, MS

  • American Heart Association Go Red Luncheon, Jackson, MS

  • American Society of Women Accountants State Conference

  • Boys and Girls Club Annual Awards Dinner, Jackson, MS

  • Business and Professional Women Mississippi State Convention

  • Business and Professional Women Young Career Convention

  • Caring Women of South Mississippi, Mississippi Gulf Coast

  • Celebration of Strong Women Luncheon, Jackson, MS

  • Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference for Mississippi

  • Jackson (MS) Legal Professional Association

  • Junior League of Jackson, MS

  • Kiwanis Clubs

  • Leadership Gulf Coast Education Day

  • Long Beach, Mississippi, Historical Society

  • Louisiana Department of State Civil Service

  • Mississippi Association of Realtors Leadership Program

  • Mississippi Bar Association State Convention, Inaugural Evelyn Gandy Lecture

  • Mississippi Business Journal Awards Luncheon

  • Mississippi Development Authority State Conference

  • Mississippi State Conference for Retired Teachers

  • Mississippi Technology Alliance

  • Mississippi United Methodist Annual Conference

  • Mississippi Women’s Lawyer Association State Meeting

  • Necumen Mississippi Statewide Awards Banquet

  • Optimist Clubs

  • Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church: Senior Leadership Team

  • Rotary Clubs

  • Saint Andrews Episcopal School Board of Trustees Retreat

  • United Methodist Church: Lay Sunday Preacher; Leadership Retreats; Regional Meetings; State Conferences; Youth Rallies

Consulting Workshops and Seminars

  • Austin College, TX, Student Affairs Division

    • Enhancing Communication between Male and Female Colleagues

  • Ball State University, IN, Faculty

    • Working with Faculty on Understanding New Student Trends and How Trends Impact Pedagogy

  • Coast Episcopal School, Pass Christian, MS, Board of Trustees

    • Strategic Planning

  • Colorado State University, Admissions Department

    • Team Building with Emergenetics

  • DePauw University, IN, President

    • Assessing Effectiveness of the Greek System

  • Huntington College, Montgomery, AL, Board of Trustees and President's Cabinet

    • Strategic Planning

  • International Women's Forum, Mississippi Chapter

    • Emergenetics; Meeting of the Minds; Creating Happiness

  • Kentucky Wesleyan College, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, Admissions Department, Athletic Department

    • Enhancing Enrollment Management; Team Building; Strategic Planning; Talent Development; Emergenetics; Meeting of the Minds

  • Lewis and Clark College, OR, Student Affairs Division

    • Emergenetics; Meeting of the Minds

  • Loyola University, LA, Student Affairs Division

    • Team Building; Enhancing Academic Advising

  • Mansfield College, PA, Students Affairs Division, Academic Leadership

    • Enhancing Communication and Understanding between Leaders in Academia and Student Affairs

  • Millersville University, PA, Student Affairs Division

    • Assessing Effectiveness of Organizational Design for the Student Affairs Division

  • Southern Methodist University, TX, Student Affairs Division 

    • Enhancing Communication and Relationships among Senior Department Heads to Increase Productivity

  • Texas Christian University, Student Affairs Division

    • Assessing Alcohol Policies and University Responses to Violations; Meeting of the Minds; Emergenetics Talent Development; Leveraging the Power of We; Seven Steps to Courage

  • Transylvania University, KY

    • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation visit for entire university

  • United Methodist Church Senior Cabinet, Mississippi Conference

    • Team Building

  • University of Alabama, Student Affairs Division

    • Emergenetics; Meeting of the Minds

  • University of Denver, Board of Trustees retreats

    • Students Today and First Generation Students

  • University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, Division of Continuing Education

    • Organizational Development

  • University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Division of Student Affairs

    • Emergenetics; Team Building

  • University of South Carolina, Upstate, President’s Cabinet

    • Emergenetics; Team Building

  • University of South Florida, Student Affairs Division

    • Assessing How the Student Affairs Division Should Be Organized and Positioned within the Entire University

  • University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park, Orientation Leaders, National Science Association Women's Advance, Human Capital Development, Faculty

    • Emergenetics; Meeting of the Minds; The Courage to Lead

  • University of West Florida, President's Cabinet, Division of Advancement, Division of Student Affairs, Division of Enrollment Management

    • Meeting of the Minds; Leveraging the Power of We; Emergenetics Talent Development

  • Wright State University, OH, College of Nursing and Health

    • Team Building; Finding Happiness; Organizational Development

Honors

2014   Mississippi's Woman of the Year in Education by the Commission on the Status of Women
2014   Outstanding Community Leader for South Mississippi and named to Roland Weeks Hall of Fame
           by the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
2014   Graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast Program
2013   Woman of the Year Award for the Mississippi Gulf Coast by Business and Professional Women
2010   Francis Asbury Award for Leading in Education by the United Methodist Church Mississippi Conference
2008   Outstanding Leadership Award by the American Council on Education, Mississippi Women’s Network
2008   International Shield Award for Outstanding Professional Accomplishments by Delta Gamma Fraternity
2007   Leonard Goldman Citation for Outstanding Service to Students by Associated Colleges of the South
2007   Pillars of the Profession Award by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
2005   Most Outstanding College President by American Football Association
2004   Outstanding Mississippi Woman Award by the Mississippi State University Women’s Commission
2003   Vision Award by the India Association of Mississippi
2002   Mississippi Business Woman of the Year by the Mississippi Business Journal
2000   Lifetime Achievement Award by Emory University Campus Life
1998    Bob Leach Award for Outstanding Contribution to Furthering Diversity by the Southern Association of
            Student College Administrators
1995    John Jones Award for Outstanding Performance by a Dean by the National Association of Student Personnel
            Administrators Region III
1991    Most Outstanding Woman Administrator by Baldwin Wallace College
1984    Mississippi’s Outstanding Young Career Woman by Business and Professional Women
1978    Most Outstanding Senior Woman by Mississippi State University
1978    Who’s Who Among American College Students
1976    Mortar Board
1975    Omicron Delta Kappa

Publications

With R. Britton Katz. "Career Wellness: From Great Depression, through Great Recession, to Great Ascension." In Further Wellness Issues for Higher Education: How to Promote Student Health During and After College, edited by David S. Anderson. New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group, 2017.

With Brit Katz. "Gone with the Wind? Integrity and Hurricane Katrina." Advancing the Integrity of Professional Practice, New Directions for Student Services Series 135 (Fall 2011): 89-96.

"10 Things I've Learned as a College President." Portico, September 2009, 62.

"Jimmy Carter on Service Learning." About Campus 1 (March/April) 1996: 10-13.

"Forward." College Student Affairs Journal 14 (Fall 1994): 3-4.

"What Can We Learn from Earlham College?" In The Role and Contribution of Student Affairs in Involving Colleges, edited by George D Kuh and John H. Schuh. Washington, D.C.: National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Inc., 1991.
 
"Through the Looking Glass: A Case Study of Perceptions of and about Mid-managers." In The Invisible Leaders: Student Affairs Mid-Managers, edited by Robert B. Young. Washington, D.C.: National Association of College Personnel Administrators, Inc., 1990.

Chapters in Off to College, The Great Transition, edited by Charles Owen. Montgomery, AL: Guidance Research Group, 1990, 1989, 1988.

"Junior Partners: The President’s Children—Their Point of View." In The Partnership Model: A Family Perspective on College Presidency, edited by Roberta H. Ostar. Washington, D.C.: American Association of State Colleges and Universities, 1986.