A Legacy of Innovation, Mentorship, and the Future of Engineering
Publication Date: June 24, 2025
Author: Jesus A. Reina
Photo caption: A pioneer in engineering education, his vision and leadership helped transform ideas into opportunities for future innovators. Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
Photo credit: Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
Engineering has always been more than formulas and technical concepts for Dr. Ernest Franke. It has been about discovery, resilience, and shaping the next-generation. His journey from a small-town student in Uvalde, Texas, to a leader in engineering education and innovation reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and mentorship.
As a student, professor, department chair, and later dean of the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering, Franke helped lay the foundation for the programs that continue to shape students today. More importantly, his work connects the past to the future, ensuring engineers of tomorrow are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A Defining Moment in Freshman Orientation
When Franke arrived at Texas A&I University, he quickly realized the path to an engineering degree would be a challenge. At freshman orientation, the dean addressed the incoming students with a sobering message:
“Look to your left, look to your right—two of you will not be here by the time you graduate.”
Rather than being discouraged, Franke saw this as motivation.
“I decided I was going to be the one in the middle,” Franke recalled.
Coming from a small town with limited access to advanced mathematics, he faced challenges early on. At the time, engineering students had to complete a combined algebra and trigonometry course before advancing to higher-level mathematics. Unlike today’s students, many of whom arrive with a background in calculus, Franke and his classmates had to build their foundation from the ground up.
Thankfully, dedicated faculty members provided him with a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and design, sparking his curiosity about problem-solving and ingenuity. This approach shaped his career and later became a guiding principle in how he taught and mentored students.
Franke’s presence wasn’t limited to the classroom or administrative meetings—he was approachable and visible throughout the engineering building.
“I recall meeting Dr. Franke not long after I started in 1972,” said David Ford, a 1975 electrical engineering graduate. “One morning while waiting for the previous class to end so that I could enter the lecture hall Dr. Franke stopped and briefly chatted with me. It made a big impression on me as a Freshman student from the small town of Yoakum, Texas and it made me feel very welcome.”
Building the Tomorrow of Engineering at Texas A&I
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Franke pursued a master's degree at A&I while working as an assistant instructor. That experience ignited his passion for teaching, leading him to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering before returning to Texas A&I to help modernize its engineering curriculum.
As a professor, he played a key role in developing courses in automatic control systems, digital control systems, and computer design, ensuring students were learning cutting-edge skills. His leadership continued as he became department chair and later dean of the College of Engineering.
During his tenure as dean, the college continued to develop. Degrees in civil and mechanical engineering were added to the curriculum, and Texas A&I obtained full accreditation in chemical, natural gas, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering programs. These structural changes expanded opportunities for students and solidified the university's reputation as a leading institution for engineering education.
“We got full accreditation in all of our programs for the first time,” Franke said, reflecting on the milestone that shaped the future of the college.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Outreach
Recognizing the importance of early engagement, Franke helped launch Math Interface Day, a program that connected high school students with engineering faculty through hands-on projects and campus tours. The program introduced young minds to engineering, showing them how a strong foundation in mathematics could lead to exciting career opportunities.
“We invited students in, gave them lunch, took them on tours, and set up engineering competitions—egg drops, catapults, things like that,” Franke said. “The goal was to show them how math and engineering were connected and to get them excited about the field.”
Programs like these remain crucial in recruiting students into STEM fields. Today’s engineering outreach efforts are built on the foundation laid by early programs like Math Interface Day, reinforcing the lasting impact of Franke’s leadership.
Pioneering Computing on Campus
One of Franke’s most forward-thinking contributions was integrating computers into engineering education. As a graduate student, he was responsible for restoring the university’s first computer, a hurricane-damaged mainframe donated by a chemical company.
Later, after earning his doctorate, Franke introduced one of the first minicomputers to campus, the Data General NOVA 1200, which played a role in multiple courses. Unlike previous computing systems used solely for basic calculations, this was the first computer utilized in an industrial control environment, marking the beginning of a technological shift in engineering.
“Dr. Franke acquired a minicomputer that was used in several of the electrical engineering classes,” Ford said. “He also taught a class, Electrical Engineering 456 Data Acquisition Systems, which gave students, including me, a foundation for my work as a control systems engineer at the Union Carbide Plant near Seadrift, Texas.”
Photo caption: From rebuilding computers to shaping engineers, Dr. Ernest Franke’s impact on innovation and education continues to inspire generations. Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
Photo credit: Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
His early exposure to computing shaped his later research in machine vision, robotics, and automated inspection systems, leading to multiple patents and an R&D 100 Award for advancements in 3D imaging technology.
Looking Ahead: Engineering’s Next Evolution
Engineering continues to evolve with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, automation, and computational design. Franke believes the future lies in blending traditional engineering disciplines with modern technology.
“There’s a great opportunity to combine AI concepts and new computing applications with traditional engineering fields like mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering,” he said.
This belief underscores the idea that while engineering principles remain timeless, the tools and methods used to apply them must continue to advance. His career exemplifies how adapting to technological change can pave the way for innovation—a mindset that today’s engineers must embrace to remain competitive.
Guidance for Emerging Engineers
Beyond technical expertise, Franke always emphasized the importance of creativity and critical thinking in engineering.
“I taught a course on engineering design that was interdisciplinary,” he said. “It focused on brainstorming, coming up with new ideas, evaluating them, and applying tools in innovative ways.”
Another value he championed was the importance of mentorship. He strongly believes that students should seek mentors who can provide guidance beyond academics, helping them navigate career decisions and personal growth.
Additionally, he encouraged students to get involved in professional organizations, believing they provided leadership experience and industry connections that classroom learning alone could not offer.
“Joining an organization like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) helps students develop leadership skills, present papers, and connect with industry professionals,” Franke said. “It’s one of the best ways to gain experience beyond the classroom.”
A Lasting Impact: Connecting the Past to the Future
Even after decades in academia and research, Franke remains committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers. While his work today focuses more on career guidance than technical problem-solving, he continues to offer insights and support to young engineers, helping them navigate their careers and discover opportunities in an ever-changing industry.
Reflecting on his time at the university, he acknowledges the challenges he faced as a leader but takes pride in the students he mentored and the programs he helped develop.
His story is one of perseverance, ingenuity, and a lifelong dedication to education and engineering. From a determined freshman who refused to give up to a visionary leader who helped transform engineering education, his legacy continues to shape the engineers of tomorrow.
The foundation he helped build at Texas A&I—now Texas A&M-Kingsville—ensures that generations to come will not only learn from the past but also innovate for the path forward.
Embark on your journey to excellence! Discover the opportunities awaiting you at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Schedule a tour and explore the path to success in the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering.
Visit Texas A&M University-Kingsville
College of Engineering
Categories: Outreach, Acknowledgement, Alumni, Feature
Author: Jesus A. Reina
Photo caption: A pioneer in engineering education, his vision and leadership helped transform ideas into opportunities for future innovators. Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
Photo credit: Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
Engineering has always been more than formulas and technical concepts for Dr. Ernest Franke. It has been about discovery, resilience, and shaping the next-generation. His journey from a small-town student in Uvalde, Texas, to a leader in engineering education and innovation reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and mentorship.
As a student, professor, department chair, and later dean of the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering, Franke helped lay the foundation for the programs that continue to shape students today. More importantly, his work connects the past to the future, ensuring engineers of tomorrow are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A Defining Moment in Freshman Orientation
When Franke arrived at Texas A&I University, he quickly realized the path to an engineering degree would be a challenge. At freshman orientation, the dean addressed the incoming students with a sobering message:
“Look to your left, look to your right—two of you will not be here by the time you graduate.”
Rather than being discouraged, Franke saw this as motivation.
“I decided I was going to be the one in the middle,” Franke recalled.
Coming from a small town with limited access to advanced mathematics, he faced challenges early on. At the time, engineering students had to complete a combined algebra and trigonometry course before advancing to higher-level mathematics. Unlike today’s students, many of whom arrive with a background in calculus, Franke and his classmates had to build their foundation from the ground up.
Thankfully, dedicated faculty members provided him with a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and design, sparking his curiosity about problem-solving and ingenuity. This approach shaped his career and later became a guiding principle in how he taught and mentored students.
Franke’s presence wasn’t limited to the classroom or administrative meetings—he was approachable and visible throughout the engineering building.
“I recall meeting Dr. Franke not long after I started in 1972,” said David Ford, a 1975 electrical engineering graduate. “One morning while waiting for the previous class to end so that I could enter the lecture hall Dr. Franke stopped and briefly chatted with me. It made a big impression on me as a Freshman student from the small town of Yoakum, Texas and it made me feel very welcome.”
Building the Tomorrow of Engineering at Texas A&I
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Franke pursued a master's degree at A&I while working as an assistant instructor. That experience ignited his passion for teaching, leading him to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering before returning to Texas A&I to help modernize its engineering curriculum.
As a professor, he played a key role in developing courses in automatic control systems, digital control systems, and computer design, ensuring students were learning cutting-edge skills. His leadership continued as he became department chair and later dean of the College of Engineering.
During his tenure as dean, the college continued to develop. Degrees in civil and mechanical engineering were added to the curriculum, and Texas A&I obtained full accreditation in chemical, natural gas, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering programs. These structural changes expanded opportunities for students and solidified the university's reputation as a leading institution for engineering education.
“We got full accreditation in all of our programs for the first time,” Franke said, reflecting on the milestone that shaped the future of the college.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Outreach
Recognizing the importance of early engagement, Franke helped launch Math Interface Day, a program that connected high school students with engineering faculty through hands-on projects and campus tours. The program introduced young minds to engineering, showing them how a strong foundation in mathematics could lead to exciting career opportunities.
“We invited students in, gave them lunch, took them on tours, and set up engineering competitions—egg drops, catapults, things like that,” Franke said. “The goal was to show them how math and engineering were connected and to get them excited about the field.”
Programs like these remain crucial in recruiting students into STEM fields. Today’s engineering outreach efforts are built on the foundation laid by early programs like Math Interface Day, reinforcing the lasting impact of Franke’s leadership.
Pioneering Computing on Campus
One of Franke’s most forward-thinking contributions was integrating computers into engineering education. As a graduate student, he was responsible for restoring the university’s first computer, a hurricane-damaged mainframe donated by a chemical company.
Later, after earning his doctorate, Franke introduced one of the first minicomputers to campus, the Data General NOVA 1200, which played a role in multiple courses. Unlike previous computing systems used solely for basic calculations, this was the first computer utilized in an industrial control environment, marking the beginning of a technological shift in engineering.
“Dr. Franke acquired a minicomputer that was used in several of the electrical engineering classes,” Ford said. “He also taught a class, Electrical Engineering 456 Data Acquisition Systems, which gave students, including me, a foundation for my work as a control systems engineer at the Union Carbide Plant near Seadrift, Texas.”
Photo caption: From rebuilding computers to shaping engineers, Dr. Ernest Franke’s impact on innovation and education continues to inspire generations. Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
Photo credit: Photo by Jesus A. Reina.
His early exposure to computing shaped his later research in machine vision, robotics, and automated inspection systems, leading to multiple patents and an R&D 100 Award for advancements in 3D imaging technology.
Looking Ahead: Engineering’s Next Evolution
Engineering continues to evolve with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, automation, and computational design. Franke believes the future lies in blending traditional engineering disciplines with modern technology.
“There’s a great opportunity to combine AI concepts and new computing applications with traditional engineering fields like mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering,” he said.
This belief underscores the idea that while engineering principles remain timeless, the tools and methods used to apply them must continue to advance. His career exemplifies how adapting to technological change can pave the way for innovation—a mindset that today’s engineers must embrace to remain competitive.
Guidance for Emerging Engineers
Beyond technical expertise, Franke always emphasized the importance of creativity and critical thinking in engineering.
“I taught a course on engineering design that was interdisciplinary,” he said. “It focused on brainstorming, coming up with new ideas, evaluating them, and applying tools in innovative ways.”
Another value he championed was the importance of mentorship. He strongly believes that students should seek mentors who can provide guidance beyond academics, helping them navigate career decisions and personal growth.
Additionally, he encouraged students to get involved in professional organizations, believing they provided leadership experience and industry connections that classroom learning alone could not offer.
“Joining an organization like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) helps students develop leadership skills, present papers, and connect with industry professionals,” Franke said. “It’s one of the best ways to gain experience beyond the classroom.”
A Lasting Impact: Connecting the Past to the Future
Even after decades in academia and research, Franke remains committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers. While his work today focuses more on career guidance than technical problem-solving, he continues to offer insights and support to young engineers, helping them navigate their careers and discover opportunities in an ever-changing industry.
Reflecting on his time at the university, he acknowledges the challenges he faced as a leader but takes pride in the students he mentored and the programs he helped develop.
His story is one of perseverance, ingenuity, and a lifelong dedication to education and engineering. From a determined freshman who refused to give up to a visionary leader who helped transform engineering education, his legacy continues to shape the engineers of tomorrow.
The foundation he helped build at Texas A&I—now Texas A&M-Kingsville—ensures that generations to come will not only learn from the past but also innovate for the path forward.
Embark on your journey to excellence! Discover the opportunities awaiting you at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Schedule a tour and explore the path to success in the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering.
Visit Texas A&M University-Kingsville
College of Engineering
Categories: Outreach, Acknowledgement, Alumni, Feature
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