Frank L. Collins, Ph.D., of Denton died suddenly on Saturday, December 19 at the age of 58. Frank was Director of Training of the Clinical Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Doctoral Program in the Psychology Department at the University of North Texas. He held previous positions at Oklahoma State University, Rush Medical Center, and the University of West Virginia. Throughout his career, he served in various leadership positions with national and state organizations that focus on training the next generation of psychologists, including President of the Council of University Director of Clinical Psychology, membership on the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Accreditation, and President of the Oklahoma Psychological Association. Frank was passionate about helping psychologists use and integrate the best scientific evidence in training, practice, and professional development. When not pouring his energies into his career, Frank was an avid collector of comic books, Starbuck’s location cups, and music...to name just a few (he even compiled a 66-artist collection of recordings of White Christmas).

Frank was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up in an Air Force family, Frank was a “base kid” in Florida, New Mexico, and Japan, before graduating from high school in Alexandria, Louisiana. He obtained bachelors and masters degrees in psychology from Northwestern Louisiana State University. Frank earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at his beloved alma mater, Auburn University.

Frank is survived by his wife, Jennifer Callahan, and her daughter Ali Dittloff of Denton, daughter Erin Collins currently at Emory University, parents Frank and Evelyn Collins of Gastonia, North Carolina, sister Charlene Helms and her husband Gary of Dallas, North Carolina, brother Dana Collins of Belmont, North Carolina, and sister Tammy Harvell and her husband Eric of Belmont, North Carolina, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and finally the many students and colleagues whose lives Frank touched.

Ways to contribute to the Frank L. Collins Scholarship Fund

I.   Send a check or money order to the Department of Psychology

1. Make payable to: UNT Department of Psychology
2. In the memo field, note: Frank L. Collins Scholarship Fund
3. Mail to: Department of Psychology, 1155 Union Circle #311280, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203-5017

II.  Send a credit card gift on-line

1. Direct your web browser to https://development.unt.edu/givenow/givenow_gen.php.
2. Enter your name and the amount you wish to contribute.
3. Choose "other" in the "Designation 1" dropdown box.
4. Enter "Frank L. Collins Scholarship Fund" in the "Other Area 1:" field.
5. Click the "Click to pay" button.
6. Choose method of payment and click "Continue".
7. Enter your credit card and contact information, then click "Continue".
8. Review the charge and click "Confirm" if correct.

Thank you for considering a gift in honor of Dr. Collins.

We know that Frank had an impact on the lives of many people throughout his career. Please leave a note to share some of your experiences as we sort through our fond memories of the all too short time with we had with Frank.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You will be deeply missed. Thank you for the pride and respect you demanded of our program. And thank you for the many hours that you graciously volunteered in order to see your students obtain the best possible internships. — Michael Purdum

Our loss is both personal and professional. Frank, although you were here only briefly, your impact on the program and department, as well as on individual faculty, staff and students will remain. We appreciate having had you here and the influence on the culture of the department that you leave behind. — Linda Marshall

You will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to Jennifer and Ali, as well as your students with whom you worked so closely. — JoLyn Tatum

I, too, very much appreciate the influence that Frank had on our department - especially the efforts that he made for students. — Amy Murrell

Frank was not just a special colleague, but also a wonderful friend. He was a real leader in CUDCP. I was fortunate to have had the chance to work closely with him on the Competencies Conference Steering Committee and in editing a special section related to the conference. He was smart, thoughtful, knowledgeable, astute, and inquisitive. Always affable, kind, and compassionate, he truly cared about his family, friends,colleagues, mentees and students. I will miss him. — Nadine Kaslow

Frank was a great mentor and a great person. I will especially miss the times I spent with Frank outside of school at social gatherings. He was always the life of the party and eager to include everyone in the fun. I will miss him. — Collin Davidson

We just found out about your Step-Dad, Ali. Cliff announced the Arbor Day Run a few weeks ago. He remembers your Step-Dad fondly. Mrs. Couch will be available anytime for you, Ali. Call me if you want to at (972) 743-6468. Felicity always talks about you. Erica is here too. We will be praying for you Lots! We will see you at school. — Marti, Cliff, and Felicity Couch

You will be missed. Happy Birthday friend. Glad we got to reconnect on FB. God Bless you family in their time of Sorrow. — Cathy Worthy

Frank was a wonderful colleague and researcher. I always appreciated his clear vision and personal warmth. — Barbara McCrady

I've worked closey with Dana Clollins his brother and would like to send my condolences to the Collins family. — D. Porter

I was one of Frank's first graduate students at West Virginia University. We both met in our first year in the Department. Frank was my mentor in clinical health psychology, a friend, and a teammate on many Department softball teams. Frank was a caring soul who inspired others with a comforting touch and an ability to see over the next hill. My wife Cindy and I have kept touch with Frank through the years and were always comforted by each telephone call or email. Cindy and I miss you Frank; we send a prayer of peace to your family and friends. — J. Bruce Hillenberg

Frank,

Your warmth, insight and kindness will be dearly missed. — Terri Sundberg

Frank was one of my best buds in High School in Louisiana. We were both air force brats that enjoyed fun with the entire England Air Force Base gang of teens.

I had just reconnected with Frank via email a couple of years ago and was shocked today to hear of his passing.

Frank, you are forever a fond memory.

Love to you and your family,
— Michele Pouliot