Former College of Education Professor Dies at 85

October 05, 2017

Mark Fravel Jr.

A former professor in the Darden College of Education Mark Fravel Jr., died Sept. 21 at the age of 85. Fravel served at Old Dominion University from 1972-1997.

Fravel received a bachelor's degree from Rollins College, master's from the University of Florida, a certificate of Advanced Studies from Florida Atlantic and a Ph.D. from Wayne State University.

His work extended beyond the University community. During his career, Fravel also served as president on the National Association of State Boards of Education and as the vice president committee chairman on the Virginia Board of Education and the Virginia Councils of Social Studies.

He was also a combat veteran, having served in the Korean War from 1949-1952. Fravel was a 33rd degree mason of the masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Fravel was a longtime resident of Chesapeake, and retired in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann (Babb), daughter Deborah, and son Mark, as well as six grandchildren.