IRSC Remembers Frank L. Watkins Jr.

July 21, 2023 Suzanne Seldes

The Indian River State College family is mourning the death of our dear colleague Frank L. Watkins Jr., vice president of student affairs. Frank was a hero, leader, mentor and friend. He was a champion for countless students throughout his 27 distinguished years of IRSC service.

Frank Watkins, Jr. “A true leader, Frank Watkins lived his life with purpose and devotion, and we are all the better for having known him,” said IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “While we are shocked and saddened by this tragic news, his legacy of service before self forever makes him a role model for IRSC students and employees alike.”

A U. S. Army Veteran, Frank served as a radio and TV broadcast journalist during his military service, winning several international awards for his work at the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service’s Far East Network in Iwakuni, Japan. Before entering the military, he worked as an on-air announcer and voice talent for several Panama City radio stations.

Frank joined IRSC in 1996 as a member of the Institutional Technology Department. In 2003, he became Administrative Director of Business Technology and, in 2005, was promoted to Assistant Dean of Business Technology. Frank joined the President’s Cabinet in 2010 as Vice President of Student Affairs, overseeing a division that includes Student Affairs; Student Activities, Engagement and Leadership Development; Health and Wellness; Student Support Services; TRIO; and Leadership Empowerment Achievement Persistence (LEAP) Programs.

Frank’s influence encompassed many other areas of the College, most notably in the growth of College radio station WQCS, a National Public Radio-affiliated station, now part of IRSC Public Media. He played a role in students’ lives from the day they walked onto campus to the day they graduated—at Commencement, he provided the invocation.

An advocate of service, Frank’s affiliations included leadership with community and professional organizations, including Lincoln Park MainStreet (Fort Pierce), the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) and the AFC Council of Student Affairs, Workforce Board of the Treasure Coast Youth Council, St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Minority Council, Westwood High School Business Partner Board, Dan McCarty Middle School Advisory Council, Boy Scout Troop 772, and the Hibiscus Children’s Center of St. Lucie County. He served as a Sigma Beta Club Advisor and the Chapter President for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Delta Lambda Sigma Alumni Chapter, which serves Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties through its mission of “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.”

IRSC is indebted for Frank’s selfless devotion to the College and the countless ways he helped to improve our community.