While I’m thrilled by what we’ve already been able to accomplish with this project, I do have a couple of regrets. One is that we were unable to arrange an interview with longtime Communication Studies professor Leta Frazier during last summer’s oral history project. Unfortunately, we won’t get a second chance to add her memories to our archives; Leta died at her home this past Saturday.
I’ve mentioned Leta a few times at this research blog, most notably as the co-author (with her husband Phil) of a 1994 focus group study of women’s experiences at Bethel Seminary. The first woman hired for the faculty of what was then was still the Speech-Communication Department, Leta went on to become both a department leader and a mentor to other women on faculty, including current Comm Studies department co-chair Peggy Kendall.
Peggy posted a lovely tribute to Leta at our college faculty listserv yesterday morning. I’m grateful to her for letting me republish her words below.
Leta Frazier was an amazing woman who impacted an entire generation of leaders. She was hired in 1984 to teach in Bethel’s Speech-Communication Department. As the first woman in the department, she paved the way for people like me, supporting, mentoring, and carving out opportunities that never would have existed if it weren’t for her hard-fought gains.
She was with the department for over 35 years and during that time reshaped what it meant to be a Communication major. Anyone who had her as a professor can attest to the way she kept high standards, often pushing students beyond their perceived limits. She was instrumental in creating the Master’s Degree in Communication that was offered through the Graduate School for a number of years. Through that program, she deeply impacted individuals of all ages.
One of Leta’s most enduring legacies was her partnership with her husband and love of her life, Phil. They frequently taught together—laughing, debating, and sharing their wisdom—modeling for students what a respectful, loving marriage looked like. Theirs was a true partnership that informed and inspired an entire generation of marriages.
Leta Frazier really was one of the pillars in the foundation of Bethel University. She fought the hard fights, she led through difficult times, she always advocated for and protected her people, but most of all, she had a beautiful ability to see her students and colleagues. She mentored, listened, supported, hugged, and cared for people in a way that was deep and meaningful.
At this point, there is no memorial service planned, but her family welcomes donations to the Leta and Philip Frazier Communication Scholarship at Bethel University at https://www.bethel.edu/giving/give-online/ (Select other and designate the Leta and Philip Frazier Communication Scholarship).
– Peggy Kendall ’83, Professor of Communication Studies
One goal of this blog is to help involve members of the Bethel community in doing the history of Bethel, so comments are always welcome! Today I’d especially appreciate memories of Leta Frazier. Just know that if you leave a comment at the project blog, I’ll take that as expressing your permission to quote it in the project.
The Women of Bethel 