Frank W. Harrison
Frank W. Harrison Jr. of Lafayette, La., is an alumnus of LSU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum geology in 1950 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2010. Harrison is a self-employed consulting geologist in oil and gas exploration and president of Optimistic Energy, LLC. He has authored several publications on the petroleum geology of Louisiana. He has served as a member and in leadership roles for the American Association of Professional Geologists, the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, the Lafayette Geological Society, the American Geological Institute, and the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association.
At LSU, Harrison served as a member of the College of Basic Sciences Development Council and co-chairman of the LSU Geology Field Camp Campaign, established two professorships in geology, and is a charter member of the LSU Geology Endowment. He was also a long-standing member of the LSU Foundation Board of Directors. Harrison received the LSU Foundation President’s Award for Lifetime Support at the benefactor level, was named the Lafayette Chapter Alumnus of the Year by the LSU Alumni Association, and was inducted into the Kappa Sigma Hall of Honor – LSU Gamma Chapter, the College of Science Hall of Distinction, and the LSU Hall of Honor – Cadets of the Old War Skule.
Harrison has received several other awards for professional achievement, such as the Col. Drake Legendary Oilman Award and the Ben H. Parker Medal from the American Geological Institute. His numerous civic affiliations and commitments include relationships with Bank One Corporation of Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Acadiana, the Salvation Army, Asbury Methodist Church, and the Rotary Club of Lafayette.
Harrison’s son, Frank W. “Billy” Harrison III, was chairperson of the board in 2021 and is currently an officer of the LSU Foundation Board of Directors.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
Many years ago, when I arrived to enter school at LSU, I was totally overwhelmed by
the beauty and facilities on campus. My heart raced when I realized I had the opportunity
to attend and study at this great university.
What makes LSU unique?
It is the oldest and largest university in Louisiana and ranked as one of the best
universities in the U.S.
Why did you choose to attend LSU?
I was not very familiar with LSU when I entered in 1946, but it had a great reputation
as a petroleum geology school, the tuition was virtually free, and I received a scholarship.
Why do you support LSU?
I have always been proud of LSU as an alumnus and the many advantages my degree from
LSU has created in my personal and professional life. In addition, LSU has provided
my immediate family with an excellent education, with a total of 14 LSU degrees.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
As an alumnus, I believe that LSU has an opportunity to become an even greater university,
and alumni should help to obtain an even greater status.
What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
Alumni support is a necessary ingredient for LSU to move forward.
What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation
National Board?
I have always supported LSU in every way possible, and I believe I can help it achieve
victory in the LSU Fierce for the Future Campaign.
What most excited you about being part of the National Board?
I am excited to participate alongside fellow alumni who have the passion to make LSU
an even greater university.