When Dr. James Frank retired as Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1998, Dr. Frank, his wife, Dr. Zelma Frank, and Dr. Gwen Norrell, a former professor at Michigan State University, established a scholarship for student-athletes in attendance at SWAC member institutions. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage academic excellence for student-athletes who desire to pursue graduate studies in their chosen profession. Dr. Gwen Norrell, also the former Faculty Athletics Representative at Michigan State University sent the SWAC a contribution of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be used for the scholarship in Dr. Frank's name, and promised to send the same amount each year until her death. Dr. Norrell worked closely with Dr. Frank during their many committee assignments and long tenure with the NCAA. Unfortunately, Dr. Norrell passed away in June 2004, but the scholarship program remains in effect. Dr. Frank and his wife Zelma, decided to add two thousand dollars ($2,000) to the one thousand dollars ($1,000) annually to establish the Frank / Norrell Scholarship Fund.

The purpose of the scholarship fund is to encourage excellence in academic performance by student-athletes who currently attend a SWAC member institution and also desire to attend graduate school. Under this program, one student-athlete annually who has demonstrated athletic ability, high academic achievement, and leadership commitment through participation in community service, and extra curricular activities or other activities that reflect leadership abilities is awarded a $3,000 scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in postgraduate study.

Qualifications for the Frank / Norrell Scholarship are as follows:

1. Students must have been accepted in a graduate program in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Administrations and Management or a related field;
2. Student must have achieved an overall cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better (based on a maximum 4.0), or the equivalent in another recognized grading system;
3. A student must be committed to working on toward a post baccalaureate professional degree;
4. Student must have evidenced superior character and leadership; and
5. Student must have demonstrated that participation in athletics have been a positive influence on the nominee's personal and intellectual development. Relative success in athletics is important but not of overriding significance.

Application Process

Download Frank/Norrell Scholarship Application

Any member of the athletic staff at a SWAC member institution is eligible to nominate a student. The application must be sent to the SWAC Office and must be signed by the Faculty Athletics Representative and the Athletics Director. A letter of recommendation must also be prepared by the Faculty Athletics Representative and Athletics Director. Along with an essay 1000 words on "How being a college athlete has changed my life." To be completed by the student.

The submission deadline is June 17, 2011.