Frank Durand, Professor Emeritus of Hispanic Studies at Brown University, was born on May 12, 1932, in New York City. In 1953 he received his Bachelor's degree from Washington Square College, which was at that time the undergraduate college of New York University. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University in 1954 and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1962. Durand's academic specialties are the 19th century novel and contemporary Latin American fiction.
Durand came to Brown University in 1962 as an Instructor in Spanish. In 1972 he was promoted to Professor and served as the head of the Department of Hispanic Studies from 1972 to 1977. He was appointed an Associate Dean of the Faculty in 1978 and Associate Provost in September 1980. Durand also served on several committees at Brown, including the Committee on Admission and Financial Aid (1963-1966). From 1969 to 1971 he was the director of the Honors Program and Chairman of the Honors Council.
Durand served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. His memberships include the Modern Language Association and the American Association of University Professors.
From the guide to the Durand (Frank) Papers, Frank Durand Papers, 1975-1984, (John Hay Library Special Collections)
