John Frederick, professor of chemistry, will deliver his “Last Lecture” at Phi Kappa Phi’s annual event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, in the Main Building (MB 0.106). Phi Kappa Phi, in collaboration with the College of Sciences and the Honors College, will host a reception honoring Fredrick’s commitment to UT San Antonio beginning at 5 p.m.
Every spring, Phi Kappa Phi hosts a “Last Lecture” series, where a distinguished speaker delivers a “final” lecture, sharing wisdom and reflections on their life and career. These lectures often focus on personal growth, mentorship and navigating non-linear life journeys. Recent Last Lectures have been delivered by Janis Bush, Diane Abdo, Joann Browning, and Eddie Henandez.
Fredrick’s lecture is titled “Change and Changing Perspectives,” and while the Last Lecture series is typically a hypothetical event, this year’s event truly will be one of Fredrick’s last lectures, as he is retiring from the university this summer.
Fredrick joined the university in 2008 as provost and vice president for academic affairs, serving in that position until 2016. As provost, he fostered the quality of academic programs; supervised the institution’s strategic and master planning processes; supported the recruitment of high-quality faculty; promoted the development of leadership skills among faculty and staff; and facilitated the growth and enhancement of the university.
During his tenure, UT San Antonio was included in the initiative to increase the number of public national R1 institutions in the state.
He has also served as interim vice president for research, interim chair of the Department of Mathematics and interim dean for the College of Sciences. His work in curriculum development within the chemistry department was recognized by the University Excellence Award for Core Curriculum Teaching in 2024.
“I am honored to contribute to the Last Lecture series, and I look forward to sharing some thoughts and observations spanning the 50 years I have spent in higher education,” reflected Frederick. “I hope it will be entertaining, and even a little thought-provoking!”
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society, initiating approximately 20,000 undergraduate and graduate members a year on more than 300 campuses. Since its founding in 1987, Phi Kappa Phi has inducted more than 1.75 million members. On March 6, 2012, the Phi Kappa Phi chapter charter was signed by those members of the community who worked to bring the chapter to UT San Antonio, one of whom was John Frederick.
How Phi Kappa Phi supports students at UT San Antonio
Phi Kappa Phi supports its members through a variety of opportunities connected with the “love of learning.” Each year, the UT San Antonio chapter nominates one student to apply for a fellowship, which awards between $8,500-$35,000 for students’ first year of graduate school. Other fellowships help fund graduate student members pursuing research and writing their dissertation, and the Study Abroad award provides $1,000 for undergraduate students studying or interning abroad.
In addition to the Last Lecture, Phi Kappa Phi also hosts its Induction Ceremony each Fall.
