FRANCES LUCAS, PH.D.
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.