DR. JERRY FRANKS
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Jerry Franks joined the Midland College faculty in 1981, making his home in West Texas after many years of living, working, and studying in other parts of the country. He lived in Alabama until 1963, when he graduated from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa with a major in French and a minor in Russian Studies. Four years of military service followed, when Dr. Franks had the good fortune to serve most of his active duty at Bad Aibling, Germany, within sight of the Bavarian Alps. Upon completion of service, he gathered experience in journalism (in Memphis, Tennessee), the federal civil service (in Atlanta and Washington), and the private travel industry (in New York City) before entering graduate studies in Government and Political Science at the University of Texas at Austin. Soon after completing his Ph.D. in Political Philosophy there in 1977, he began teaching government at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. After relocating to Midland College, he was privileged to develop and teach a variety of courses in philosophy as well as government. Outside the classroom, travel and enjoyment of nature are Dr. Franks’ major enthusiasms. Beginning with college summers spent in Sequoia National Park, California, during the early 1960's, he has taken every opportunity to visit most of North America, Europe, and Central and South America, as well as points in Africa, Australia, and Asia. More often than not, his main object in travel is the observation and appreciation of wildlife, especially birds in their natural habitat. With easy access to Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, Dr. Franks’ home in West Texas has provided a fine base for these activities.

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