Frankie M. Brown Kirkendoll

is honored with a Brick from Wichita State University Office of Human Resources

Frankie (Brown) Kirkendoll exemplifies the love and service we should all give to one another. Few have dedicated as much to Wichita State University as she has over the years. In her 35 years, 8 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days of professional service to WSU she focused all her time and effort on improving and enhancing the campus community. To her, Wichita State University is family.

Frankie's Shocker story began in 1980 when she was hired as the Employment Manager for the university. Many remember her dedicated and thoughtful nature as she performed her duties in this role. Later, in 1992 she became the Associate Director of Human Resources, and her final role as the Human Resource Director began in 2008. Throughout these years she served in many areas, both on and off campus. On campus she served the African American Faculty and Staff Association, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. She also judged the Convocation Banner competition, Shocktoberfest, Man & Woman of the Year, Video Competition, and Hippodrome. She also promoted the enhancement of her profession while serving as the liaison to WSU students involved in the Wichita Student Chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). In 2010 Frankie received one of the highest honors given to unclassified professionals on campus, the Wayne Carlisle Award, which honors those who model the standard of extraordinary service.

Her legacy to the university includes providing adequate and appropriate training to employees and supervisors, fostering an attitude of balance in both work and life responsibilities, and, most importantly, promoting the idea that service to others is key to improving the community in which we live and work. Frankie's focus on personal development was not just a motto she pronounced to others, she was a mouthpiece within many organizations where she fostered this belief in others. Her professional affiliations included membership in the Society for Human Resources Management, where she served as the State Director in 2003,and President of the Wichita Chapter in 1999. In fact, she was honored with the Outstanding HR Professional of the Year award from both the State and Wichita chapters in 2003. In addition, she was a member of the American Society for Training and Development, and the College of University Personnel Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR).

Balance was key to Frankie's success early on in her career. In the beginning while she worked as the Employment Manger, she cared for her daughter as a single mother, and later raised a nephew, and cared for her aging mother. She loved the flexibility afforded her by the university, which gratitude was expressed by her many years of dedicated service.

Without service there would be little purpose in Frankie's life. Beyond her family and work adventures she also served the Wichita community in various ways. As a volunteer she worked with the United Way of the Plains for over 20 years, where she served on the Board of Directors and Allocations committees. The National Council of Urban League Guilds was also privileged to have her on their team where she served as the National President and was a National Trustee. Not surprisingly, she was honored not once, but twice with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award in 2007 and 2010. She also served on the Board of Trustees for the Western Baptist Bible College.

Frankie exemplifies these words from Maya Angelo who said, "We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends, and living our lives." It is this kind of wisdom that Frankie characterizes in all aspects of her life. For this reason she is honored at the Plaza of Heroines. We thank you for sharing your life with Wichita State University.