John Chapman Frye arrived in Kansas in 1938, leaving in 1954. In the 16 years at the University of Kansas he essentially founded the basics for geology of the Plio-Pleistocene deposits in the state. He published two books on the subject that are still recognized, used today, and considered by those who know to be classics. In addition to his research, he taught at the university and administered the business of research at the Kansas Geological Survey, a research and service division of KU.