James A. Frost | |
---|---|
File:James-A.-Frost.jpg Frost in 1972 | |
1st President of the Connecticut State University System | |
In office December 9, 1983[1] – October 1, 1985[2] | |
Governor | William A. O'Neill |
Succeeded by | Dallas K. Beal[3][4] |
Executive Director of Connecticut State University System | |
In office October 2, 1972[5] – December 8, 1983[6] | |
Governor | Ella Grasso |
Preceded by | J. Eugene Smith[7] |
Vice Chancellor at the State University of New York | |
In office April 29, 1965 – 1972[8][9] | |
Preceded by | Dr. Clifford Craven |
Dean at the State University of New York at Oneonta | |
In office December 2, 1949 – April 28, 1965[10][11] | |
Preceded by | Dr. Albert E. Fitzelle |
Personal details | |
Born | James Arthur Frost May 15, 1918 Manchester, England |
Died | March 16, 2017 Simsbury, Connecticut, U.S. | (aged 98)
Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery[12] |
Spouse(s) | |
Children | 3, including Janet[13] |
Parent(s) | Harry A. Frost Janet Frost |
Alma mater |
|
Profession | University President, Lieutenant colonel |
Awards | Rockefeller grantee, 1959 |
Signature | ![]() |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | |
Years of service | 1941-1961 |
Rank | ![]() |
Commands | Third Air Force |
James Arthur Frost (May 15, 1918 – March 16, 2017) was a historian who received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University.[8] He was the Dean at the University of New York College-Oneonta and wrote several books and articles. Frost served as the Vice-Chancellor for four-year State University of New York and then the Connecticut State University System president.[15] There is a scholarship offered by the Connecticut State University System Foundation named after him.[16][17]
Early life and education
Frost was born May 15, 1918, in Manchester, England, the son of Rev. Harry Arthur Frost and Janet Wilson Frost. James Frost attended Columbia University in 1940, earning a bachelor's degree. He continued at the Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, earning his master's and doctoral degrees in American history and education. In 1993, he was awarded an LL.D. from Southern Connecticut State University.[7]
Military Service
During World War II, James A. Frost served in the military. He was naturalized as a United States citizen on June 3, 1942. Shortly thereafter, within ten days, he received acceptance into the Air Corps School for Administrative Officers in Miami Beach, Florida.
Military Education
Frost excelled at the Air Corps School for Administrative Officers, demonstrating strong academic performance and proficiency in military drills. After completing the first part of the program in Miami Beach, Frost was selected as one of the top students to attend the Harvard School of Business.[18]
On September 12, 1941, Frost was commissioned and received orders to report to the Third Air Force's headquarters in Tampa, Florida.[19]
Duties as a Statistical Control Officer
The concept of Statistical Control was developed by the Army Air Corps Chief of Staff in collaboration with the Harvard School of Business, emphasizing the importance of "control." Statistical Control Officers could only be assigned by the Headquarters of the Army Air Corps in Washington, D.C. and were restricted to duties solely related to Statistical Control. However, during Frost's initial assignment at the squadron level, he was designated as a Supply Officer. Upon receiving these orders, the headquarters in Washington issued a command for Frost to be relieved of all duties except those pertaining to Statistical Control.[20]
For instance, Statistical Control Officers had information about the location and readiness of all aircraft and details about personnel such as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, and machine gunners who protected the bombers during flight. This highly intricate operation involved data on aircraft construction progress, pilot training, and casualties.
In 1942, Frost became a commissioned officer with orders to locate specific types of aircraft and the crews to operate them. Statistical Control Officers across North America reported the search results to the Army Air Force Headquarters. Throughout 1942, Frost worked in Statistical Control to gain the upper hand in the Battle of Midway, the islands of Midway, and other critical locations. On January 20, 1943, Frost was promoted to first lieutenant.[22]
Third Tactical Air Command
In June 1943, Frost was assigned to Morris Field in Charlotte, North Carolina, reporting directly to General Ralph Francis Stearley through the General's Chief of Staff. Lieutenant Colonel Frank K. Clarke assigned Frost to oversee all statistical control processes throughout the Third Tactical Air Command.
Frost developed a booklet containing relevant information, which he updated weekly and distributed to the principal staff officers. The booklet received positive feedback, and the General, recognizing its value, requested more specific information on aircraft accidents. Colonel Clarke instructed that Frost's booklets be sent to other commands as an example of effective statistical control. Frost was promoted to Captain on January 31, 1944.[23]
Third Air Force
In September 1944, Frost was the Director of Statistical Control at the Third Air Force headquarters in Tampa, Florida. On June 21st, 1945, Frost was promoted to major.[24]
Military Reserves
On February 22, 1946, Frost left the military after four years and seven months of service. However, he was commissioned in the Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant colonel.[25]
New York
Frost has held administrative positions at state colleges located in Oneonta and New Paltz, New York. Prior to coming to Connecticut, Frost served as the Provost for Academic Planning and Undergraduate Education and Vice-Chancellor for University Colleges at the State University of New York system.[26][27]
State University of New York at Oneonta
From 1947 to 1949, he taught American history at the State University of New York at Oneonta. Following this, he was the special assistant to the president, and on December 2, 1949, Frost was appointed Dean of the College.[13][10]
While at Oneonta, Dr. Frost earned a Smith-Smudt professorship in American history at the University of Ceylon in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, a position held from July 1959 to April 1960. While on sabbatical leave, Dr. Frost visited American studies centers in Japan on a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.[13]
Teacher's College, Columbia University
In the summer of 1948, Dr. Frost taught American history at Teachers College at Columbia University.[13]
State University of New York at New Paltz
Dr. Frost was appointed as the interim president of the State University of New York at New Paltz after William J. Haggerty retired in late December 1966. During this time, Dr. Frost implemented significant personnel changes and restructured various programs.[29]
New York State Historical Association
Dr. Frost was elected as an honorary fellow of the New York State Historical Association and as a member of the Committee on Research and Development of the College Entrance Examination Board.[30]
Connecticut
Frost led the 33,000-student[31] system for 12 years, significantly expanding academic programs and dormitory growth[32] at Central Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut, Southern Connecticut, and Western Connecticut state universities.[5]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/GOVERNOR_ELLA_GRASSO%27S_LETTER_TO_JAMES_A._FROST_OF_AUGUST_16%2C_1978.jpg/150px-GOVERNOR_ELLA_GRASSO%27S_LETTER_TO_JAMES_A._FROST_OF_AUGUST_16%2C_1978.jpg)
Upon assuming his position, Frost identified that the programs offered across the four campuses were mainly centered on teacher education and liberal arts.[34][35]
Subsequently, he oversaw the expansion of the educational initiatives to include courses in business administration, social work, computer science, and health science.[36] Frost played a critical role in transforming the four-year state colleges into a university system, which was implemented on March 1, 1983.[7]
Upon the announcement of his retirement, individuals discussed the influence he had on the state.
... Mr. Frost has become a legend in his time for his work in organizing our four campuses into an effective university system that is now the largest in our state. — Lawrence J. Davidson, Chairman of the board of trustees
... His integrity in leadership and scholarship has greatly influenced the development of our state universities and the quality of programs they offer our students. — Gov. William A. O'Neill[37]
CSCU Commencement Addresses
Western Connecticut State University
On January 28, 1973, Dr. Frost delivered the commencement address to 157 undergraduate students and 164 graduate students at Western Connecticut State University.[38]
Central Connecticut State University
In 1984, Dr. Frost delivered the 134th commencement address at Central Connecticut State University to an audience of approximately 1800 graduating students.[39] During his speech, he emphasized
... The knowledge you have acquired here does not belong to you; you have an obligation to use it for all mankind because we are all the heirs of the past.[40]
Robinson School, West Hartford
Robinson Trustee Appointment
In 1973, Dr. Frost, a resident of Simsbury, was appointed to serve on the board of trustees of the Robinson School in West Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Frost filled the unexpired term previously held by the late Francis Hogan of Torrington Connecticut.[30]
Robinson Commencement Address
In 1974, Dr. Frost delivered the commencement address to the 12th-grade students at Robinson School's 26th graduation ceremony, held at the West Hartford campus.[41] James T. O'Donnell and Theodore M. Smith were class speakers. C. Edward Lamson distributed diplomas.[42]
Bibliography
- The Social Studies in the Public Secondary Schools of Cleveland, 1846 -1915, James A. Frost; Published by Columbia University. Teachers College (1941)[43]
- Life On The Upper Susquehanna 1783-1860, James A. Frost; Published by King's Crown Press (1951)[44][45]
- A Short History of New York State, David M. Ellis; James A. Frost; Harold C. Syrett; Harry J. Carman; Published by Cornell University Press (1957)[46]
- Cherry Valley, New York, James A. Frost; Published by Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (1959)[47]
- Cooperstown, New York, James A. Frost; Published by Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (1959)[47]
- County and Borough of Richmond, New York, James A. Frost; Published by Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (1959)[47]
- The Home Front In New York During The Civil War, James A. Frost; Reprinted from The New York History (July 1961)
- New York: The Empire State, David Maldwyn Ellis; James A. Frost; William Bertrand Fink; Published by Prentice Hall (1961), ISBN 0-136-20419-8[48]
- A History of New York State, David M. Ellis; James A. Frost; Harold C. Syrett; Harry J. Carman; Published by Cornell University Press (1967)
- A History of the United States: The Evolution of a Free People, James A. Frost; Published by Follett (1969)[49]
- The Establishment of the Connecticut State University, 1965-85, Notes and Reminiscences, James A. Frost; Published by The Henry Barnard Foundation (1991)[50][51]
- The Country Club of Farmington, 1892-1995, James A. Frost; Published by Phoenix Publishing (1996), ISBN 0-914-65977-4[52][53]
- Life with Elsie, James A. Frost; Published by The Briarwood Printing Co., Inc. (2006)
Personal life
Dr. Frost had at least three children with his wife, Elsie Frost.[8]
See also
References
- ^ "Establishment of the Title President of the Connecticut State University" (PDF). ct.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
- ^ "President Beal's Inauguration" (PDF). ct.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
- ^ "Salary increase Pres. Dallas K. Beal CSU" (PDF). ct.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
- ^ Barnes, Yolanda (3 October 1985). "University President Inducted". Hartford Courant. p. 215. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Gorman, Kathleen (30 January 1982). "Attracting Top-Level Staff to Colleges". Hartford Courant. p. 15. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Salary Adjustment for James A. Frost" (PDF). ct.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
- ^ a b c Howard, Susan (5 May 1984). "State University Chief To Retire After 12 Years". Hartford Courant. p. 13. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "James A. Frost Obituary". Hartford Courant. 2017. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "The Oneonta Star from Oneonta, New York". Oneonta Star. 12 June 1964. p. 5 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ a b "Frost Gets $24,300 SUNY Post". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 9 April 1965. p. 5. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "SUNY Memorandum to Presidents" (PDF). system.suny.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "James Arthur Frost". Find A Grave. 15 July 2024. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ a b c d "Frost Given State Post". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 12 June 1964. p. 5. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dr. James Frost Is History Month Speaker". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 19 February 1957. p. 8. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Frost, James Arthur". worldcat.org. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
- ^ "The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Foundation Awards 10 Scholarships". ct.edu. 16 June 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "James A. Frost Obituaries and Scholarship". Hartford Courant. 16 April 2017. p. B7. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 22.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 25.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 32.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 34.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 33.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 36.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 39–40.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 42.
- ^ The Country Club of Farmington, 1892-1995. OCLC 33983571.
- ^ Sue, Joffe (10 May 1968). "Fretwell Installed as 7th President of Buffalo State". The Buffalo News. p. 1. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Frost 2006, pp. 65.
- ^ "New Paltz College President Named". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 9 December 1966. p. 36. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Dr. Frost Appointed As Robinson Trustee". Hartford Courant. 19 August 1973. p. 47. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Coleman, A.R. (20 August 1978). "ECSC Low Teacher Ratio Admitted". Hartford Courant. p. 100. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Coleman, A.R. (21 July 1978). "State Board To Inspect Dorm at ECSC". Hartford Courant. p. 95. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Frost, James (September 1991). "The Establishment Of The Connecticut State University, 1965-85, Notes And Reminiscences". p. 81. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Role Change Spurs College Census". Hartford Courant. 5 June 1974. p. 3. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Coleman, A.R. (18 April 1974). "Switch by Trustees Cancels Boycott". Hartford Courant. p. 86. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "State's Colleges to Explore Joint Approach to Education". Connecticut Post. 7 June 1977. p. 2. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Howard, Susan (5 May 1984). "State University Chief To Retire After 12 Years". Hartford Courant. p. 13. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "WesConn To Conduct Graduation Jan. 28". Connecticut Post. 19 May 1984. p. 100. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Yearwood, John (22 May 1984). "Central Connecticut Marks 134th Commencement". Hartford Courant. p. 25. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dr. Frost to Address Robinson Graduates". Hartford Courant. 5 June 1974. p. 3. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Two Commencement Exercises Are Held By Robinson School". Hartford Courant. 7 June 1974. p. 215. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "The Social Studies in the Public Secondary Schools of Cleveland, 1846 -1915".
- ^ Russ, William (1951). "Journal of American History". pp. 311–312. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Russ, William (1951-09-01). "Life on the Upper Susquehanna, 1783–1860. By James Arthur Frost. (New York: King's Crown Press, Columbia University, 1951. ix + 172 pp. Maps, tables, bibliography, and index. $2.75.)". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
- ^ "Dr. Frost to Tell PTA Plans for SUNY". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 21 April 1965. p. 3. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Frost Writes For Encyclopedia Britanni". The Daily Star. 9 May 1959. p. 5. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "SUCE Profs Write History Textbook". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 14 July 1961. p. 5. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "A History Of The United States The Evolution Of A Free People". abebooks.com. Retrieved 2022-01-18.
- ^ "Who Was Who In America with World Notables, Volume 20, 2009".
- ^ Frost, James (September 1991). "The Establishment Of The Connecticut State University, 1965-85, Notes And Reminiscences". Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Gorman, Kathleen (19 June 1995). "Golf Club Marks First Century". Hartford Courant. p. 3. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Gorman, Kathleen (19 June 1995). "Farmington Golf Club marks its first century". Hartford Courant. p. 6. Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
Works cited
- Frost, James A. (2006). Life with Elsie. Plainville, Connecticut: The Briarwood Printing Co.