Honorary Alumni Award
champions FOR APPALACHIAN
Frank Borkowski served as Appalachian State University’s fifth chancellor from 1993-2003.
Frank and his wife, Kay, remain champions of and tireless volunteers for the university.
During his tenure as chancellor, Frank Borkowski enhanced the university’s academic climate and its national and international reputation through his support of a variety of programs and initiatives, including Freshman Seminar and the university’s summer reading program.
He broadened the university’s educational and cultural outreach to the region through the Appalachian Learning Alliance, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and An Appalachian Summer Festival.
Improvements to the campus infrastructure during his tenure include construction of a new science building, convocation center, student apartments, park, alumni center and parking deck.
He expanded the university’s global reach through internationalization of curriculum, faculty and student exchanges, and expansion of partnerships with international universities, including those in Costa Rica, China, Poland and Mexico.
Before coming to Appalachian, Frank Borkowski was president of the University of South Florida. Earlier, he had served as executive vice president and provost of the nine-campus University of South Carolina, first vice chancellor and dean of faculties at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, and associate dean of faculties at Ohio University.
He has a Ph.D. from the University of West Virginia, a master’s degree in music performance from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oberlin College.
Kay Borkowski is well known throughout campus and Watauga County. She is an accomplished flutist and frequently performs with ensembles in the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music. She also has performed with the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble during An Appalachian Summer Festival.
As an adjunct professor in the music school, she shares her knowledge of and love for music with aspiring musicians and music educators.
She also provides private music lessons to middle school and high school aged students, many of whom are furthering their music education in college.
Kay Borkowski is an active volunteer and leader in the community. She has worked with the Hospitality House in Boone, the Watauga County Arts Council, Wildacres Leadership Initiative, and the advisory boards of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music, Belk Library and Information Commons and An Appalachian Summer Festival.
She has a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She has taught flute at West Virginia University, Ohio University, Indiana University-Fort Wayne, Columbia College, Augusta College and the University of South Florida.
The Borkowskis reside in Valle Crucis.
