Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie: World Class Athlete Turned Innovative Educator

A graduate of Croton-Harmon High School in Westchester County, NY, Frederick Douglass Opie is a Babson Professor of History and Foodways and the author of articles, books, and contributor to anthologies. Dr. Opie is a former world class athlete turned innovative educator, speaker, and author, which earned him a place into the Herkimer College Alumni Hall of Honor in 2006 and the Herkimer Generals Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

Dr. Opie attended Herkimer College from 1981 to 1983, earning his associate degree in Physical Education. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1986. He earned his master’s degree from Shippensburg University in 1991 and the Ph.D. in History from Syracuse University in 1999. He has published several articles, including “Foreign Workers, Debt Peonage and Frontier Culture in Lowland Guatemala, 1884 to 1990.” He is also a blogger and the producer and host of The Fred Opie Show. Dr. Opie has appeared on NPR, BBC Radio, The History Channel, PBS television, and in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Oprah Magazine. 

In addition to his academic career, Opie has a history of many lacrosse accomplishments including All-County Honors in high school; All-American Honors at Herkimer College (1982 and 1983); varsity letters in lacrosse at SU (1984 and 1985); club championships with Long Island and Maryland Lacrosse Clubs; and a World Championship with the Men’s National Lacrosse Team in Perth Australia (1990). 

We are proud to share Dr. Frederick Douglass Opie's story and recognize his accomplishments in the academic field and on the athletic field. Learn more about Dr. Opie on his website, FredOpie.com