In Memoriam: Dr. Frank Jordan, Jr.

The Art Museum mourns the 2022 passing of a special friend and supporter, Frank Jordan. Born in 1937 in North Carolina, Jordan joined Miami University and the Oxford community in 1965 as a professor of English. For thirtysix years, he taught British literature survey courses along with English composition. For ten of those years he was the English Department Assistant Chair and Chief Departmental Advisor.

During his life, Jordan was an ardent fan of the arts, especially music and the visual arts. An accomplished organist himself, he both organized concerts and played in recitals. He made numerous trips to Cincinnati with close friend and former Collections Manager/Registrar Laura Henderson, to visit museums and libraries, appreciating art and perusing books and other material culture objects. An avid collector, Jordan’s personal holdings included numerous paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, and sculpture.

Jordan regularly donated gifts in-kind of his art collection to the Art Museum. Among the long list of his donations were several works by the late-19th and early 20th century artist Elizabeth Nourse. In addition, Frank generously gave works by other well respected regional artists of this time period including paintings by Henry Farny, Henry Mosler, and John Henry Twachtman. A group of more than 20 artworks were bequeathed to the museum's collection in 2022.

Those who knew Jordan appreciated his endearing smile and tireless enthusiasm. The Art Museum is proud to be a beneficiary of his kind and generous spirit, and although he will be sorely missed, his legacy and love of art will endure.