Congratulations to Fran Harris, the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award!
Congratulations to Fran Harris, the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award! This year, the prestigious honor celebrates a woman whose achievements in athletics, entrepreneurship, media, and public service have left a remarkable imprint on not only her alma mater, but the world. Fran Harris is more than just a former athlete, a business leader, or a media personality—she is a living example of grit, innovation, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional excellence.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Fran Harris made her first major mark as a standout basketball player, ultimately becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in her school’s history. Her determination and drive on the court made her a force to be reckoned with, but it was clear early on that her ambition extended far beyond the boundaries of athletics. As a student-athlete, she exemplified the perfect blend of intelligence, leadership, and relentless work ethic. Her time as a student laid the foundation for the dynamic, multifaceted career that would follow, spanning industries and shattering ceilings with each move she made.
Fran’s success as a basketball player was meteoric. She was a star at the University of Texas, where she helped lead the Longhorns to a national championship in 1986. That team went undefeated, finishing 34-0 and making history as the first women’s team to complete a perfect season and win the NCAA title. Fran’s performance during that season, and throughout her college career, was marked by unmatched leadership, fierce competitiveness, and a passion that lifted her teammates and inspired fans across the country. She would later play professionally both domestically and internationally, including a stint with the Houston Comets in the WNBA, where she was a part of the league’s inaugural season in 1997.
But Harris never allowed her identity to be defined solely by basketball. From the beginning, she approached her life as a series of platforms from which to influence, innovate, and lead. After her playing career, she transitioned into broadcasting, where she became a familiar and trusted face as a commentator for ESPN and other networks. Her insights, articulate analysis, and charismatic presence quickly made her a favorite among viewers, setting a new standard for former athletes in media. Her time in broadcasting showcased not only her sports acumen but her ability to connect with people, explain complex topics clearly, and tell compelling stories.
Fran’s professional trajectory then took another bold and ambitious turn. With a passion for business and a mind for innovation, she plunged into the world of entrepreneurship. Over the years, she has launched multiple successful ventures across various industries including health and wellness, food and beverage, media, and technology. One of her most visible entrepreneurial accomplishments came in 2021 when she appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank to pitch her company Electra, a sports drink brand aimed at challenging industry giants with cleaner, healthier hydration products for high-performing individuals. Her pitch was not just about the product—it was about representation, opportunity, and vision. She walked away with a deal and widespread national attention, once again proving that her hustle and strategic thinking were second to none.
Beyond the business accolades, Fran has always been deeply committed to mentorship, community development, and empowerment. She has frequently spoken at schools, corporations, and leadership events, passionately advocating for equity, diversity, and the empowerment of women and underrepresented groups. Whether through her coaching, her motivational speaking, or her active mentorship of young professionals and athletes, she has consistently invested in the next generation. She has authored books, led workshops, and appeared on national platforms to deliver messages that inspire transformation. Fran has never wavered in her belief that success is not only to be attained but shared.
In recognizing Fran Harris with the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award, the institution acknowledges not only her personal accomplishments, but the values she embodies: excellence, integrity, vision, and service. This award is not just about celebrating what Fran has done, but about recognizing the impact she has had—and continues to have—on others. Her story speaks to the heart of what it means to be an alumnus: taking the lessons and spirit of one’s education and using them as a launchpad for lifelong leadership and meaningful change.
What makes Fran’s journey even more powerful is the authenticity she brings to every endeavor. She has been open about the obstacles she’s faced—from injuries to business challenges, to societal barriers as a Black woman navigating predominantly white and male industries. But through every chapter, she has remained unflinchingly authentic, candid, and fearless. Her ability to evolve, to reinvent herself without ever losing her core identity, has made her a role model to countless individuals across the globe.
One cannot discuss Fran Harris without highlighting her unique ability to fuse purpose with performance. She doesn’t merely pursue goals—she builds ecosystems. In everything from business models to community engagement strategies, she weaves in sustainable, inclusive frameworks designed to uplift, educate, and empower. She’s not content with short-term wins; she’s focused on long-term legacy.
In recent years, Fran has expanded her influence even further, serving on advisory boards, championing health and wellness initiatives, and even launching educational programs aimed at preparing the next wave of entrepreneurs and leaders. Her impact on the sports world, the business world, and the community at large is indisputable. Yet, she remains grounded, often referring back to the values instilled in her during her formative college years and the people who believed in her when she was just beginning to discover her voice.
Receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2025 is a fitting honor for someone who has lived a life marked by excellence in every sphere she’s touched.
