Alumnus Ron Frye proud of his Central legacy

In 1949, Ron Frye embarked on his collegiate journey as a wide-eyed freshman at Central Washington College of Education. At the time, he never would have imagined that his footsteps would leave such a lasting mark on Central Washington University’s legacy.

Frye’s pursuit of post-secondary education was temporarily paused in 1951 when financial constraints and a patriotic duty compelled him to enlist in the Navy during the Korean War.

Despite the hiatus, his passion for education led him back to Central in 1955 to pursue his degree with renewed drive, fueled by the support of the GI Bill.

“I feel that Central gave me an opportunity,” Frye said. “Being from a large family, there wasn’t a lot of encouragement to go on to higher education. So, to go to Central and not set any records the first year, but then come back and study hard and apply myself well, it set me up for my future.”

Frye’s determination helped him complete his undergraduate degree at Central in 1957 before earning a master’s degree from Kansas State and a doctorate from the University of Missouri.

After working in several states early in his career, Frye found himself back where it all began: at Central.

“I met with Dr. (James) Brooks and Dr. (Charles) McCann about developing a school of engineering,” Frye said. “I was working at a program that was training technicians that would be kind of a liaison between an engineer and a guy that was doing machine operations on the floor.”

Recognizing the need for a bridge between engineering and technical expertise, he played a pivotal role in the development of a pioneering program in industrial technology, which stands as a testament to his forward-thinking vision.

“Our discussion centered around the development of a technical program to work with these technicians who could talk to an engineer but also could understand the operation of a milling machine or whatever the guys were working on out on the floor,” he said. “That is in existence now at Central.”

In 1965, Frye assumed the role of department chair for Industrial Arts. His leadership extended beyond the confines of the department, as he later served as associate dean for the School of Professional Studies, spearheading initiatives to elevate the standard of education at Central.

However, his journey was not without challenges. In 1990, the university faced some questions about its accreditation status, threatening its very foundation. Tasked with the monumental responsibility of rectifying the situation, Frye assumed the role of interim dean, rallying a dedicated committee to meet the stringent standards set forth by accrediting bodies.

“They gave us a year to get our act together, and in that year, I appointed a grassroots committee that I have to give credit to,” Frye said. “Libby Street and Patsy Callaghan really lead that committee and were the leaders to meet the new standards. We were reaccredited with pretty decent honors.”

Through perseverance and collaborative effort, Central emerged stronger than ever, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in education. After serving as interim dean for three years, Frye retired in 1993.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Frye cherishes the bonds forged during his time at Central. His sense of camaraderie extended beyond the classroom, shaping his lifelong friendships and fostering a sense of community among colleagues and peers.

Today, Frye continues to relive old memories with fellow CWU retirees, gathering with them in Ellensburg three times a week for coffee.

“About eight or nine former PhDs who have all retired from CWU meet, and we kind of relive things and get better acquainted,” Frye said. “It’s become more of a personal thing, after you retire, than a professional gathering. Most of our conversations center around some of the really good people we worked with on campus. It’s been a lot of fun.”

As he reflects on his journey, Frye acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife, Florence — also a CWU graduate — whose steadfast presence and encouragement propelled him forward through every challenge and triumph.

“I could have never done any of this without her support and assistance,” he said.

Together, they epitomize the spirit of resilience and perseverance that defines the Central experience, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come.