Interview of Frank W. Hale by Marge Bennett

Abstract

Dr. Hale was born in 1927. He describes the problems that black parents had in providing learning opportunities for their children. While his mother was hospitalized with tuberculosis, Dr. Hale lived with his uncle in Campbell, Ohio for two years, and experienced the horrors of segregation in the school. He returned to Kansas City after his mother recovered. He described how his fourth grade teacher turned him from a failing student to an excellent student. After completing his PhD in Communications at Ohio State University, he spent eight years at Oakwood College as an administrator and five years as President. In 1971, Dr. Hale became associate dean of the Graduate School. He initiated the Graduate and Professional Visitation Days Program for students at historical Black Colleges. In 1978, he was appointed Vice Provost for Minority Affairs. He was a leader in making scholarships available to minorities, providing workshops, concerts, and work-study positions to African-Americans. His creativity and leadership were honored in many ways, including having the Black Cultural Center named for him. Dr. Hale has been an inspiration to all persons.