In Memoriam: Frances Bartlett Kinne, 1917-2020

Frances Kinne, chancellor emerita and former president of Jacksonville University in Florida, died on Mother’s Day May 10. She was 102 years old.

In a statement following her death, Jacksonville University stated that Dr. Kinne was “known for her unquenchable optimism, her joy for life and her selfless service to others. Kinne was most proud of her connection with students. She continued to counsel and inspire hundreds of Jacksonville University alumni, as well as academic and corporate leaders, throughout her life.”

A native of Story City, Iowa, Kinne received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She earned a tri-major doctorate (philosophy, music, and English literature) from the University of Frankfurt in Germany. She was the first American woman to earn a doctorate at the university.

Early in her career, Dr. Kinne worked as a public school music teacher; a choral and instrumental conductor; Veterans Administration recreation director; professor at Tsuda College in Tokyo, Japan; and music consultant for Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s staff in Tokyo. Dr. Kinne began her Jacksonville University career in 1958 as a humanities professor. She became the founding dean of the College of Fine Arts in 1961 and served in that capacity until being named president in 1979. Dr. Kinne was the first woman to be appointed president of a university in Florida. Dr. Kinne served as president for 10 years, followed by her time as chancellor from 1989 to 1994.