Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact

App State honors former Chancellor Francis Thomas Borkowski

Borkowski, who died Jan. 19, led the university from 1993 to 2003

View larger image

A spray of flowers placed at Chancellor Frank Borkowski’s official portrait, located inside the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building on App State's Boone campus, honors the former App State leader, who passed away Sunday, Jan. 19. Borkowski served as chancellor of Appalachian State University from 1993 to 2003. Photo by Chase Reynolds

View larger image

Dr. Francis Thomas Borkowski served as chancellor of Appalachian State University from 1993 to 2003. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

“Frank strengthened the university’s academic reputation, expanding our global education programs, supporting programs designed for first-year students’ success, and helping extend the reach of the university’s arts programs. We honor Frank and the incredible contributions he made to the university in the decade he was chancellor and the decades afterward.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

By University Communications
Posted Jan. 23, 2025 at 2:22 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Francis Thomas Borkowski, former chancellor of Appalachian State University from 1993 to 2003, died Sunday, Jan. 19, at the age of 88.

“Frank strengthened the university’s academic reputation, expanding our global education programs, supporting programs designed for first-year students’ success, and helping extend the reach of the university’s arts programs. We honor Frank and the incredible contributions he made to the university in the decade he was chancellor and the decades afterward.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

“Frank led our university for 10 years, and during this time, he strengthened the university’s academic reputation, expanding our global education programs, supporting programs designed for first-year students’ success, and helping extend the reach of the university’s arts programs,” App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris said in a statement to students, faculty and staff. “We honor Frank and the incredible contributions he made to the university in the decade he was chancellor and the decades afterward.”

Under Borkowski’s leadership, App State celebrated its 100th anniversary, enrollment grew from 12,200 to more than 14,300, and Time magazine named the university a College of the Year in 2001. His focus on global education resulted in App State’s recognition by the American Council on Education as a model institution for international studies.

View larger image

Former Appalachian State University Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, left, gives App State Chancellor Emeritus John E. Thomas a copy of the latest edition of The Appalachian Faculty Emeriti during the university’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1999. The 400-page publication is dedicated to Thomas. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

View larger image

Former App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, who led the university from 1993 to 2003, third from right, and his wife, Kay Borkowski, far left, talk with App State students. They are shown standing beneath a banner welcoming the Borkowskis to App State. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

Among the many other university achievements under Borkowski’s leadership:

  • App State’s An Appalachian Summer Festival grew to become a significant part of the cultural landscape and helped establish the area as a cultural tourism destination.
  • App State extended the reach of the Hayes School of Music, which was named under Borkowski’s tenure in honor of Mariam Cannon Hayes, who had contributed the university’s largest gift to date in support of the arts at the university.
  • App State established the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, which opened in 2003. This center engages visitors in dynamic and accessible exhibition, education, outreach and collection programs.
  • View larger image

    Former App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski is shown having fun on a tire swing on the Boone campus in 1999, as App State students watch. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

  • App State broke ground on the Belk Library and Information Commons, which was completed in 2005.
  • App State’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies was founded in 2002, with Borkowski playing a key role in the center’s establishment.
  • App State purchased the New York City Loft, which provides an affordable and convenient lodging option for students, faculty and staff fulfilling academic requirements, conducting academic research or engaged in other activities while visiting New York City.
  • View larger image

    Former App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski and university benefactor Mariam Cannon Hayes are pictured at an Appalachian State University commencement ceremony in 1994. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

    View larger image

    Former App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski assists Mountaineers during move-in at Appalachian State University in 1995. Photo by App State University Communications, Mike Rominger

  • App State held its first Martin Luther King Day Challenge service projects, which became a model for institutions across the country. This initiative has since evolved into the Mobilize the Mountains Days of Service events, organized by the university’s Office of Community-Engaged Leadership.
  • App State experienced growth in campus infrastructure, including the construction of the Holmes Convocation Center, McKinney Alumni Center, Rivers Street Parking Deck and Rankin Science North.
  • App State’s Plemmons Student Union underwent a significant renovation, which doubled the meeting space available to students and campus organizations and enhanced the building’s sustainable features, earning it an LEED Gold Certification.
View larger image

Former App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, center, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for App State’s Holmes Convocation Center, held Sept. 6, 2000. The 200,840-square-foot, multipurpose facility located at the Boone campus opened on Nov. 17, 2000, when the App State men’s basketball program hosted the North Carolina Tar Heels in front of a sell-out crowd. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

As a professional clarinet and accordion player, as well as a music teacher and conductor, Borkowski loved and generously supported the arts. He supported the expansion of the App State public art program and the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, and during his time as chancellor, sculptures of Daniel Boone and App State mascot Yosef were added to the university’s Boone landscape. Following his chancellorship, he remained a tenured faculty member in the Hayes School of Music.

Borkowski was a first-generation American, the child of Polish immigrants and among the first in his family to earn a high school education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oberlin College, a master’s degree in clarinet performance from Indiana University Bloomington and a doctorate in music education from West Virginia University. He went on to become a respected academic leader at many institutions before he was chancellor of App State.

Borkowski is survived by his wife, Kay, and their children Stanley Borkowski, Anne-Marie Scott and Christian Borkowski — and their grandchildren, Molly Scott, Nora Scott, Ian Borkowski and Ryan Borkowski.

View larger image

Former App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, fifth from left, is pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony for App State’s Belk Library and Information Commons in 2003. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

View larger image

App State Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, left in foreground, is pictured with Robert L. Turchin Sr. on App State’s Boone campus in 2000. Turchin, who passed away in 2013, was a longtime benefactor of Appalachian State University. App State’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, which was established under Borkowski’s tenure, is named in honor of Robert and his wife, Lillian Turchin. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University Historical Photographs Collection

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Our History
Our History

Appalachian State University

Learn the history of Appalachian State University, from its founding in 1899 as a rural academy to its growth into a destination of choice for high-achieving students.

Learn more

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

“Frank strengthened the university’s academic reputation, expanding our global education programs, supporting programs designed for first-year students’ success, and helping extend the reach of the university’s arts programs. We honor Frank and the incredible contributions he made to the university in the decade he was chancellor and the decades afterward.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

Our History
Our History

Appalachian State University

Learn the history of Appalachian State University, from its founding in 1899 as a rural academy to its growth into a destination of choice for high-achieving students.

Learn more

Share

Topics

  • Alumni
  • Community Engagement
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Students

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

Share

Topics

  • Alumni
  • Community Engagement
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Students

Other Recent Posts

  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
  • App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    WFDD
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
  • App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
    App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
  • Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
    Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
  • $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
    $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
  • App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
    App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
  • Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
    Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
  • 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide
    12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat