Frank Durand
What brought you to Boyd back in 1998?
I had been working in student affairs at the George Washington University Law School for about six years when I heard rumblings about a new law school in Nevada, one of only two states that did not have one (the other? Alaska, which still doesn't). The prospect of moving back west and being closer to my family in New Mexico and Veronica's in Wyoming made us super happy. I was fortunate to get an interview for the position of Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at Boyd. When I met Dean Morgan, Chris Smith, Rick Brown, Mary Berkheiser, and Dianne Fouret, and listened to their vision for Boyd, I was totally sold. And honestly, I loved those first four years at the old Paradise Elementary School. The primitive conditions mattered little. The emphasis rightly was on building an institution and culture in which we could all take pride.
You’re a loyal and long-suffering fan of the Dallas Cowboys. What’s your favorite moment as a Cowboys fan?
Easy. 1992 NFC Championship game, fourth quarter, Troy Aikman hits Alvin Harper on a deep slant that goes 70 yards and seals the victory over the despised San Francisco 49ers. Finally, payback for The Catch in the 1981 NFC Championship game. Pretty sad that I must go back some 30 years for my moment!
What’s been your favorite part of your job?
I have loved the opportunity to observe students evolve over three or four years of law school… and beyond. Watching individuals harness their talents, broaden their perspectives, find their callings, and realize their potential has been a remarkable experience in and of itself.
Imagine that, during your retirement, you can only watch one of the following: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Seinfeld, or The West Wing. Which show wins?
Wow, that's a hard-hitting question. So, let's narrow the field. Much as I loved Breaking Bad and Mad Men (Walter White and Don Draper are two of the most complex, confounding lead characters ever), for me, they're both a notch below. Between Seinfeld and The West Wing? This will come as a shock to those who know me well, but I’m going with the genius that is Aaron Sorkin. What’s next?
If you had one final piece of advice for the citizens of Boyd Nation, what would it be?
Not so much advice, but a wish/hope/reminder for everyone… as my Dad regularly and purposefully told me, “Live a happy, productive life.” Happy and productive – not one or the other, but both. That’s the whole ballgame, friends.