Bob Francis grew up in Yuma, Arizona and graduated from ASU. After spending a year teaching high school in Yuma, he returned to ASU in 1970, starting in the Alumni Association. After a few years, he moved to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions where he spent most of his career. He retired in 2002.
Important / interesting parts of the interview include:
• The beginning of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in Part 2
• The changing attitude about the role of the University in marketing itself to students and parents in Part 3
• The role of the Devils’ Advocates played in selling the University in Part 4
• The role Don Dotts and Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson played in Bob’s career in Part 6
Details
- Francis, Robert (Bob): First Half
- Francis, Robert (Bob) (Interviewee)
- Mason, Marilyn (Interviewer)
- Scheatzle, David (Interviewer)
- Arizona State University Retirees Association (Producer)
- Administration
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Founding Programs
- Devils' Advocates
- Camera – Roger Carter; Audio – Roger Carter; Director – Dave Scheatzle; Video History Chair – Linda Van Scoy; Video Editor – Barry McNeill
First Half:
Part 1. Getting Started
a. Introductions (00:00:13)
b. Growing up in Yuma (00:00:49)
c. Joining ASU (00:01:47)
Part 2. ASU Career
a. Brief overview of career (00:02:38)1
b. Alumni Association (00:04:09)
c. Undergraduate Admissions (00:05:49)
d. Student Development (00:08:02)
Part 3. Undergraduate Admissions
a. What was special? (00:08:56)
b. Importance of marketing the university to students (00:10:46)
c. Student orientations (00:12:54)
d. Administrations support (00:30:45)
Part 4. Devils’ Advocates
a. What are they? (00:23:10)
b. How were they recruited? (00:25:37)
c. What are benefits of being a Devils’ Advocate? (00:28:15)
Second Half:
Part 5. Working with Greek Life
a. Challenge in working with fraternities (00:29:30)
b. Move fraternity houses off campus (00:32:02)
c. Friction with Tempe (00:36:14)
Part 6. Other Career Reflections
a. Most satisfaction (00:37:26)
b. Changes to ASU (00:38:42)
c. Memorable event (00:40:26)
d. Important people (00:42:01)
e. Offices through the years (00:47:13)
f. Advice for choosing major (00:49:29)
Part 7. Wrapping Up
a. Since retirement (00:50:52)
b. In conclusion (00:51:57)
Citation and reuse
Cite this item
This is a suggested citation. Consult the appropriate style guide for specific citation guidelines.
Francis, Bob. Interview. 17 April 2014. ASURA Video History Project. © Arizona Board of Regents. https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.188653