Robert McFrazier named ESU Jones Distinguished University Professor

Robert McFrazier, former superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, has been named the 2005-2006 Jones Distinguished University Professor at Emporia State University.

McFrazier attained state and national prominence over his 40-year career in education, and is an expert on the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka ruling.  At Emporia State’s Teachers College, McFrazier is teaching Introduction to Education to future teachers and is a guest lecturer in classes.

The Jones Distinguished University Professor program provides a unique opportunity for a nationally respected professional in education to spend a semester or more at ESU. Through teaching, writing, research, and consulting, the Jones Distinguished Professor provides leadership in areas of interest to educators across the state and region.

McFrazier, who started his career as a teacher in 1967 as a junior high English teacher in Junction City, is active in education policymaking.  He retired from the Topeka Public Schools in 2003.  That same year he was appointed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve on an education policy team charged with reviewing student achievement, studying cost-efficiency issues and growing education leaders among Kansas teachers and students.

Serving as director of the Kansas Alliance of Black School Educators’ Parent Information Resource Center, McFrazier works to involve parents in their children’s education.  The PIRC is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in its effort to integrate knowledge gained from research demonstrating parental involvement is positively related to achievement in student learning.

As superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, McFrazier is credited for reading and math resolutions which helped increase student achievement. Another notable accomplishment of his is the passing of a $24.5 million bond issue in April 2001 to fund construction of classrooms and a sports park on the grounds of the former Topeka State Hospital.

Before being appointed as superintendent of schools in 1999, McFrazier served as a teacher or administrator at Curtis Jr. High School, Topeka High School, Boswell Jr. High School, Highland Park High School, Robinson Middle School and Topeka West High School.  Among his professional activities, McFrazier is involved with North Central Accreditations, Kaufman Foundation Kansas Superintendents Forum, and McRel Urban Superintendents.

A native of Oklahoma, he holds a bachelor's degree from Langston University in Oklahoma, a master's degree from Emporia State University, and a doctorate in education administration from Kansas State University.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>