An incredible speaker and motivator, Frances immediately engages an audience. It feels as if she's immediately a friend and wise mentor. She was the absolute highlight of our faculty retreat for women in STEM, speaking from her heart with courage and humor. She shares insights into the ivory tower, her journey to the top, experiences as a woman in leadership, the battles she has fought, and the paths she has paved.
Julie Cwikla, Ph.D.
Director of Creativity and Innovation in STEM
University of Southern Mississippi
Frances Lucas is an award-winning administrator, with many decades of experience as Dean, Vice President, and President of various institutions of higher education. Furthermore, she is a 'par exemplar' motivational speaker; from the microphone, she amazes an audience. Her decades of successful experiences on college and university settings, combined with superior communication skills, empower, enliven, and ensure her abilities as a consultant. When collaborating with Dr. Lucas, you are assured of future-focused, results-centered, and outcomes-driven strategies that are punctuated in the best traditions of common sense judgments.
R. Britton Katz, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
Millsaps College
I suggested Dr. Frances Lucas keynote the NASPA 2013 Aspiring Student Affairs Officer national conference; her selection was a slam-dunk! Immediately, Frances captivated the audience with humor and poignant stories regarding the highs and lows of leadership. Many participants commented that it was one of the best talks they had ever heard. No doubt, what resonates is her authenticity, both bold and vulnerable, weaving stories from all life experiences! You will leave her speech having belly laughed, a lump in the throat, and with new insight about yourself.
M.L. “Cissy” Petty, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Provost of Academic Affairs
Loyola University
Over the course of my career, I’ve been privileged to hear Dr. Lucas keynote various conferences, so when it was time to select the keynote speaker for our Louisiana drive in conference, I knew she was the person we needed. She surpassed my expectations by delivering a dynamic address that was perfect for our audience. Frances has an innate ability to use her intellect, insight and humor in ways to encourage audiences to excel in their endeavors and gain strength from her message.
K.C. White
Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students
Louisiana State University
One of the goals our planning team had for our 100th anniversary celebration conference was unforgettable education. In particular, we wanted to have a panel of senior leadership in higher education that would leave people inspired for the future and energized for the celebration. As we looked at our options, Frances Lucas stood out because of her expertise and her own personal experiences, as well as her performance at previous ACUI events. She has keynoted at both our annual conference and the Women's Leadership Institute and she has the ability to mesmerize her audiences with her wit, her honesty, her gift of language, and her wisdom. And she delivered, not only providing her own responses to questions on the panel, but setting the tone for the entire event. I would highly recommend Frances as a speaker and a leader in higher education.
Zack Wahlquist
Director of Education
American College Unions International
I cannot tell you how many positive comments I have heard from graduate students, staff members and administrators. The consensus seems to be that your keynote left folks feeling energized and rejuvenated to begin spring semester! The timing, delivery and message were all perfect.
Ty G. Allushuski
Assistant Director of Admissions and Chair of Student Affairs Professional Development Committee
The University of Mississippi