Frank H. T. Rhodes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank H. T. Rhodes
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Rhodes in 1987
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| President of Cornell University | |
| In office 1977–1995 |
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| Preceded by | Dale R. Corson |
| Succeeded by | Hunter R. Rawlings III |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frank Harold Trevor Rhodes
October 29, 1926 Warwickshire, England |
| Died | February 3, 2020 (aged 93) Bonita Springs, Florida, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Birmingham |
Frank Harold Trevor Rhodes (born October 29, 1926 – died February 3, 2020) was an important leader in education. He was the ninth president of Cornell University for many years, from 1977 to 1995. He helped shape the university during his time there.
Contents
A Look at Frank Rhodes's Life
Frank H. T. Rhodes was born in Warwickshire, England, on October 29, 1926. He went to Solihull School and was even chosen as the head student there. After school, he studied at the University of Birmingham. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948. Then, he completed his Ph.D. in geology in 1950. A Ph.D. is a very high university degree. Later, in 1963, he earned another advanced degree, a D.Sc., also in geology.
Early Teaching and Research Career
After his studies, Frank Rhodes spent a year in the United States. He was a Fulbright scholar at the University of Illinois from 1950 to 1951. This program helps people from different countries study and teach abroad.
From 1951 to 1954, Rhodes taught geology at the University of Durham in England. He then returned to the University of Illinois in 1954. He became an assistant professor and then an associate professor there. In 1956, he moved to the University of Wales, Swansea. There, he became the head of the geology department. By 1967, he was named dean of the faculty of science. During these years, he also gave talks at other universities, including Cornell in 1960.
Leadership Roles in Academia
In 1968, Rhodes joined the University of Michigan as a professor. He taught geology and mineralogy. In 1971, he became the dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Before becoming president at Cornell, he served as vice president of academic affairs at Michigan for three years. This role meant he helped manage the university's teaching and research programs.
On February 16, 1977, Frank Rhodes was chosen as the ninth President of Cornell University. He officially started his new job on August 1, 1977. He led Cornell until June 30, 1995. When he retired, he had been the longest-serving president in the Ivy League. The Ivy League is a group of eight famous universities in the northeastern United States. After retiring, he became a professor emeritus of geology at Cornell. This means he kept his title as a professor even after he stopped working full-time.
Public Service and Later Life
Besides his work at universities, Frank Rhodes also helped the government. President Ronald Reagan appointed him to the National Science Board. This board advises the government on science and engineering. President George H. W. Bush also chose him for the President's Educational Policy Advisory Committee. From 1984 to 2002, Rhodes was on the Board of Directors for General Electric, a large company. Frank Rhodes passed away in Bonita Springs, Florida, on February 3, 2020, at 93 years old. He was a member of important groups like the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Frank Rhodes's Impact at Cornell University
Frank Rhodes made many positive changes at Cornell University during his time as president.
Growing Diversity and Support
During his leadership, Cornell became much more diverse. The number of minority students grew from 8 percent in 1977 to 28 percent in 1994. Also, the number of women and minority members on the faculty more than doubled. This meant more different voices and ideas were part of the university.
New Buildings and Programs
In the last years of his presidency, Cornell raised an amazing $1.5 billion in a fundraising effort. This money helped the university grow and improve. In 1995, a building at Cornell was named Frank H. T. Rhodes Hall. This building houses the Cornell Theory Center, which is a place for advanced computing.
Cornell also has a special honor for him called the Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of '56 University Professors. These professors are appointed for three-year terms. In 2010, the university also created new student fellowships named after Rhodes. These fellowships help students who want to work in public interest law. This means they help people who are poor, elderly, homeless, or whose civil rights have been taken away.
See also
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Images for kids
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Rhodes in 1988
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Rhodes applauds graduates during 1987 commencement
