Frances Kinne facts for kids

Frances Bartlett Kinne (born May 23, 1917 – died May 10, 2020) was an American author, school leader, and musician. She made history as the first woman to become a university president in Florida. She was also only the second woman in the entire United States to hold such a position.

Early Life and Schooling

Frances Kinne was born on May 23, 1917. Her hometown was Story City, Iowa. She finished high school in 1934. She then went to Iowa State Teachers College. Today, this school is known as the University of Northern Iowa.

During her summers, Frances took free piano lessons. These lessons were at Iowa State University. She later studied at Drake University. She earned her degree in Music Education there. This was at the start of World War II.

During the war, she helped soldiers. She worked for the United Service Organizations (USO) for three years. She was a hostess, making sure soldiers felt welcome. In 1957, she earned her PhD. This high degree was in Music, English Literature, and Philosophy. She received it from the University of Frankfurt in West Germany.

Frances Kinne's Career

In 1958, Frances Kinne moved to St. Augustine, Florida. She began teaching at Jacksonville University. She was an Assistant Professor of Humanities. This means she taught subjects like art, music, and literature. The university's president, Franklyn A. Johnson, asked her to join.

She started the University's College of Fine Arts in 1960. This college focused on subjects like art and music. She was named Professor of the Year twice. This happened in both 1961 and 1962. A local business group gave her a special award. During her time, the number of art students at JU grew a lot. In 1969, she became the first female Dean of a college in the U.S. She led the JU College of Fine Arts.

Leading Jacksonville University

In 1973, Frances Kinne received the first Florida Governor's Award For The Arts. This award honored her work in the arts. In 1979, she became the acting President of Jacksonville University. This happened after the previous president left. While acting president, she started the School of Business. She also won the EVE of the Decade Award.

Kinne officially became the President of Jacksonville University in 1980. She quickly solved the university's money problems. She got rid of the university's debt in just 18 months. During her time, she approved a new School of Nursing. The first nursing students graduated in 1983.

In 1983, she started a big fundraising effort. It was for JU's 50th anniversary. She successfully raised $16 million for the university. In 1986, she was honored again. She was added to the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. U.S. President Ronald Reagan also asked her to lead a special council. This council helped independent colleges in Florida.

Frances Kinne retired as President in 1989. After retiring, she was immediately chosen for a new role. She became the first Chancellor of Jacksonville University.

Later Recognition and Awards

On November 1, 2012, the City of Jacksonville honored her. They declared it Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne Day. She also received a lifetime achievement award. This was from the Jacksonville Business Journal. It recognized her long and important career.

Personal Life

Frances Kinne married Colonel Harry L. Kinne in 1948. He passed away in 1981. He died from cancer in Jacksonville, Florida.

She married Colonel M. Worthington Bordley in 1992.

In 2000, Kinne wrote a book about her life. It was called Iowa Girl: The President Wears A Skirt.

Frances Kinne passed away in Jacksonville, Florida. She died on May 10, 2020. She was 102 years old.

See also

A robot, symbolizing learning and technology.

• Jacksonville University
• Jim Brady
• In Spanish: Frances Kinne para niños