Inducted in 2022
Frank Marcum ran hurdles on the Roper track team and became a record-setting hurdler at the University of Tulsa, where he earned a B.A. in history and sociology. Then at Northeastern State University he completed an M.A. in history and education. Frank taught social studies in Tulsa Public School for almost three decades. For 20 years he was a coordinator for the Close-Up Foundation, a national organization that encourages young people to participate in local, state and federal government. Every year, he took students to Washington, D.C. to experience government firsthand.
Frank earned a commercial pilot license and flew over 37 types of aircraft. In 1985, as one of 114 semifinalists selected from 11,000 applicants, he was selected for NASA’s Teacher in Space program, and participated in the astronaut training program. After the 1986 Challenger disaster, Frank remained committed to inspiring students and others about space exploration. He became regional director and wrote curriculum for the Challenger Centers, which partner with NASA to engage students and teachers in STEM learning based on space technology. He was also selected as a NASA Ambassador, and traveled throughout Oklahoma speaking to civic organizations and encouraging students to consider careers in space exploration.
Frank was an Army veteran and served for 26 years in the Army Reserve, receiving three Army Commendation Medals for meritorious service. As Company Commander he headed the detachment that guards the U.S. gold supply. He was President Gerald Ford’s military liaison during the 1980 Cuban refugee crisis at Fort Chafee. He taught for several years at the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, and became Director of Officers Courses, rising to Lieutenant Colonel.
After retiring from education, Frank became VP of Quality Control & Logistics for SALERIA Advanced Blast Protection Systems, one of the first firms to develop bomb blast protection for military vehicles.
