Franklin Eugene McCain (1941 - 2014) was born in Union County, North Carolina but grew up in Washington, DC. After graduating from Eastern High School, he entered A&T College and earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology in 1964. He later earned his Master of Arts from A&T and also studied and trained at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, Princeton University in New Jersey, Farr Associates in Greensboro and American Management Association in New York City. McCain recalls that as they talked from September 1959 until January 31, 1960, “we had a common outlook to change the unjust conditions in the society that was pushed forward by frustration.”
Dr. McCain has held leadership positions in numerous community organizations including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He has sat on the Board of Visitors at Bennett College for Women and the Board of Trustees at North Carolina Central University (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2009) among many others. Dr. McCain was chair of A&T's Board of Trustees from 2008-2009 and is now a member of the UNC Board of Governors (2009-2013). He holds membership in the A&T Alumni Association.
Dr. McCain was awarded the honorary Doctor of Philosophy in humanities from NC A&T State University on May 5, 1991. He passed away in Greensboro, NC on January 9, 2014.