“I am proud — extremely proud — to be a graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston,” said Winfred Frazier ’91, beaming as he described himself. “Going to law school changed the way I think, and it gave me a new way to approach problem solving.”
Frazier retired as a vice president in 2018 after 46 years as a superstar in broadcast television ad sales and local and national ad sales management with the ABC/Disney Corporation. He helped establish and then maintain an advertising dynasty, while boosting the careers of many others in the broadcasting industry. Currently an associate at Paris & Associates, he practices personal injury and family law. But he devotes most of his time to his family and his position on Bellaire’s city council as the mayor pro-tempore.
A native Houstonian who grew up in modest circumstances in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Frazier began working at the age of eight. “I had a paper route, throwing the Houston Chronicle.” Encouraged by his family to do well in school, he graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School and from Texas Southern University (TSU).
Frazier’s bachelor’s degree in marketing from TSU led him not only to a job as an advertising sales representative at KTRK-TV Channel 13, but also to the “most intelligent and magnificent woman I have ever known.” He met her on campus at TSU, and knew it had to be her. His new bride, Johnnie Frazier, graduated two years after him, then went to medical school at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. They maintained a long-distance relationship for a while, but it worked well for them. The Fraziers have been married for 51 years. They have two children (one an M.D., the other a Ph.D.) and three grandchildren.
After Johnnie Frazier, M.D. had an established practice, Win Frazier began his legal studies. The part-time law student was a full-time husband, father, and advertising representative. “There certainly wasn’t much time for sleep back then,” Frazier said. “And I absolutely could not have done it without my amazing wife. She held it all together.”
While in law school, Frazier was inspired by fellow part-time students, like his long-time friend Carl Shaw ’90. He also gained inspiration from Prof. Helen Jenkins and the many other outstanding professors that taught him law, made themselves available to answer questions, and genuinely connect with him.
“As a part-time student who was a working professional, I did not have time for a lot of extracurricular activities like mock trial or law review. That didn’t matter to Dean T. Gerald Treece. He was available for me, one on one, just like the students who were on his championship advocacy teams. I was deeply touched.”
Frazier found tremendous value in his time at South Texas Law. “The litigation skills I learned were transferable. I often used them in client meetings, in board rooms, and as a volunteer at various non-profit organizations. Earning a J.D. gave me the ability to interpret situations quickly, represent myself well, and it enhanced my career.”
After spending many years serving on the boards of various nonprofit organizations and participating in civic life in Bellaire by serving on multiple committees, Frazier ran for a city council seat in 2021 and won. His peers on the council elected him mayor pro-tempore in January 2022.
Frazier can be seen wearing an apron and serving meals at community events almost as often as he is seen in a coat and tie. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve others, particularly my neighbors. I am especially interested in helping our youth, and making sure there are safe spaces for them to learn and play, like our amazing parks here in Bellaire.”
Involved in efforts to create and maintain vibrant green spaces for many years, the Fraziers are the honorees of the Patrons for Bellaire Parks Wine and Tapas Gala this April. They have both played key roles in and given generously to this nonprofit organization for nearly a decade. “We not only believe in the value of nature for ourselves, but for everyone. We are happy to be recognized for our efforts in this area.”
