Dr. Michael B. Frisch

On Saturday October 26, 2024, Dr. Michael Burns Frisch, a loving father, husband friend and teacher, passed away at age 69. Mike was born on June 3, 1955 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Mary Frances Burns and Robert Michael Frisch. He graduated from Marquette University High School in 1973, where he excelled academically and played basketball under renown coach Rick Majerus. He taught himself to play the drums and guitar and formed a band, which ignited his life-long love of music.

The early passing of his brother and best friend, John, inspired Mike to live his life helping others. He volunteered with the Red Cross beginning at age 14 and initiated countless service programs including safety and first aid instruction, a high school blood donor program and “The Pushers” to help students with disabilities get to class. He was the youngest person ever selected to serve on the National Board of Governors of the American Red Cross and at 19 years of age, Mike represented the U.S. at an International Red Cross convention in England. 

Mike received his B.A in psychology from the University of Wisconsin and his M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Kansas. He interned at Duke University Medical Center and conducted postdoctoral study at the Menninger Foundation and the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy.

In 1982, at the age of 26, Mike began a 35-year teaching career at Baylor University in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience teaching clinical and positive psychology. He was the past Director of Clinical Training in Baylor’s doctoral program in clinical psychology.

Mike was a pioneer in the newly emerging field of positive psychology. Based on his research, he developed a clinically validated instrument to measure quality of life, which is still in use today, and clinically validated interventions to increase quality of life. He published the accompanying, acclaimed books, Quality of Life Therapy and Create Your Best Life. He was named a Distinguished Research Fellow by the International Society for Quality of Life Studies and was honored by the Aaron T. Beck’s Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Mike shaped the field of psychology and mental health, making quality of life assessment and treatment a standard part of clinical psychology practice. He was invited to travel internationally to speak about his work and promote the field of quality of life studies.

Despite his acclaimed research, Mike’s greatest professional fulfillment came from building relationships through teaching and counseling. He mentored countless students, and he deeply cherished heartfelt notes of gratitude he received from many.

Mike described himself as a lover of history, current events, music and of weaving the arts into his teaching. He was a man of intense energy: in parenting, in coaching his children’s elementary basketball teams, in running and biking, in professional writing and in maintaining personal relationships. For example, he made it a habit to learn and remember the names of family members of the baristas at the Starbucks in the science building where he got his morning coffee. He was always quick to help a friend in need and his daughter, Erin and son, Jacob, remained his steadfast pride and joy throughout his life.

Mike married his devoted and loving wife, Lenesa in 2016. That very year, he had major health challenges that led to his retirement from teaching. Exemplifying his typical bravery and determination, he created a full life for himself in retirement with the support of his family and friends. An avid runner, reader, learner and mindfulness practitioner, he audited Baylor classes and maintained connection to Baylor and his students. As always, relationships were a top priority, and he nurtured his many friendships. Two years ago, he welcomed his granddaughter, Lily, to the world and showered her with love. 

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Robert; his mother, Mary; his sister, Mary Catherine; and his brother John. He is survived by his wife, Lenesa; his adult children Erin and Jacob; granddaughter, Lily; brothers Bob and David; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday November 9th at Seventh & James Baptist Church in Waco. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seventh & James Baptist Church or Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco.