Dr. Frank M. Gresham

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Gresham, age 77. He was lovingly surrounded by his family after several years of illness.

He was born in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where he attended Hillcrest High School. Frank received his B.S. from Georgia State University, and his Master’s Degree and Ph. D from University of South Carolina. Go Clemson!

Frank loved traveling the world, any beach, going to football games, baseball games, crawfish boils and hanging around with his friends and family. Go LSU! Good music was a must, especially blues, rock-n-roll and South Carolina beach music. Frank also loved teaching. He was known for his practical teaching approach, always using shockingly good examples, and his biting wit.

Frank, a prominent authority in social skills assessment and interventions in School Psychology, was dedicated to children at risk with emotional and behavioral disorders. He directed millions of dollars in grants which funded research related to treatment integrity, response-to-intervention, and applied measurement practices.

He is co-author of Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) and has written over 250 journal articles, books and book chapters.

Frank began his teaching career as a Professor of School Psychology at Iowa State University in 1979. He continued teaching until he retired in 2021. In those years, he started the Doctoral Programs in School Psychology at Louisiana State University (1981), Hofstra University (1989), and University of California, Riverside (1991). In 2005, he returned to LSU where he taught until retirement. Frank received many accolades and awards in the academic world including the Lightner Witmer Award and the Senior Scientist Award.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Laura Harrell Gresham; his children, Lukas Gresham, Matt Gresham, Jill Gresham (Ashley), Julie Gresham Foley (Ryan); grandchildren, R.J., Will, and Gwyneth Foley; his loving sister, Judy Gresham Gault and her husband Jimmy; nieces and nephews Tracy, Candace, Khristine, Aaron, Micah, and David; his loving sister-in-law, Judi Cazedessus, and her husband, Camille; brother-in-law Brad Harrell (Audrey).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Metz Lanford Gresham and Julia Caroline Maynard Gresham.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Audubon Hospice, Ingrid and Gail, and Chaplain Tim.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Dr. Frank’s honor to the Loma Linda University Children’s Cancer Research.

There will be a small graveside service at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Dr.’s Mary Lou Kelly and Owen Scott. Please email frankmgresham@gmail.com for more information.