Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media

Brian Williams and Colleen King at Frank Center event

Established in 2020, the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media develops students to become leaders in their professions by offering access to a diverse group of experts and practitioners through a speaker series, and by supporting outside learning opportunities such as professional immersion experiences, conference participation, and internships. The Frank Center also enhances opportunities for the College of Media to engage with the public on pressing issues.

Roberto Holguin at Frank Center Student Workshop in the Frank Newsroom

A portion of the Franks’ gift was used to create a state-of-the-art broadcast facility within Richmond Studio in 2023, including the Frank Newsroom (pictured at right). Additionally, their gift created two classrooms in Gregory Hall to accommodate the use of new technologies and to offer space for media editing and production.

Learn more about Rich and Leslie Frank and their historic $7.5 million gift to the College of Media.

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Frank Center Q&As

The Frank Center has hosted many media industry leaders for hour-long Q&As about current events, including Chuck Todd, Michael Steele, Kara Swisher, Brian Williams, Steve Kornacki, among others.

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Frank Center Student Workshop Snapshots

Frank Center student workshop in Frank Newsroom on field camera

Watch a video tour of the Frank Newsroom

Contact Us

For more information about the Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media, please contact Colleen King, director and clinical assistant professor of journalism, at cck@illinois.edu.

About the Franks

Rich Frank, former president of Disney Studios, and Leslie (Miller) Frank, an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist, both now vintners and hospitality leaders in Napa Valley, wanted to make an investment in the University of Illinois that would have an impact for generations.

“We are encouraged our contribution will help create the highest level of learning for the next generation of journalists and that we are able to play a part in elevating the stature of the program at Illinois, making it a top destination for students and faculty,” said Rich and Leslie Frank.

Hear an interview with the Franks on Illinois Public Media’s The 21st Show, aired October 13, 2022.

Richard and Leslie Frank also spoke with the student-produced broadcast UI7 Live in advance of the panel “Reporting on Politics and Elections in 2022.” Watch the segment: