STEPHENVILLE, Texas — As a native of Stephenville and a former Tarleton State University student, Dr. O.H. “Bud” Frazier has made the community proud by becoming one of the world’s top transplant and mechanical circulatory support surgeons. Earlier today, Tarleton State recognized him with an honorary doctorate of humane letters during spring 2025 commencement exercises.
Throughout the course of a remarkable career, Dr. Frazier has performed over 1,200 heart transplants, more than any other surgeon in the United States. Additionally, since conducting experimental work toward developing an implantable left ventricular assist device in the 1970s and 80s, he has implanted more than 900 LVADs, the most of any surgeon in the world.
Overall, his work in the field of circulatory support has resulted in more than 100,000 LVADs being implanted in patients worldwide as a life-saving effort. A significant number of these devices have been developed in Dr. Frazier’s Texas Heart Institute laboratory.
“We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Frazier with an honorary doctorate,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “He is an innovator in the medical field who has elevated the quality of life for thousands around the world throughout the course of his legendary career. The fact that his journey started right here at Tarleton State is a testament to the limitless opportunities available to our Texans.”
Recently, Dr. Frazier was named recipient of the prestigious Pushpa and Kewal Krishan Gupta Lifetime Achievement Award in Development of Therapies for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases by the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) Board of Trustees.
In addition to the recognition from the ASAIO, he has received Lifetime Achievement awards from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.
In 2011, Dr. Frazier implanted the first successful continuous-flow total artificial heart using two second generation HeartMate II LVADs to replace a patient’s failing heart. Last year, his team successfully implanted the first-in-human BiVACOR total artificial heart that is designed to serve as a bridge to transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure.
“Dr. Frazier has made a profound impact on the world and saved countless lives,” said Tarleton State Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Stearns. “We are proud to recognize him with an honorary doctorate to show our appreciation for his remarkable achievements and contributions to society.”
Growing up, he was a standout athlete with impressive talent. Notably, Mineral Wells High School recruited his mom, Adele Frazier, to teach English so that her son could play running back for the football team.
His father, Oscar H. Frazier Sr., was a math teacher and track coach at Tarleton State — named John Tarleton Agricultural College and then Tarleton State College at the time — for 40 years. The Oscar H. Frazier Memorial Track on campus is named in his honor.
Bud’s collegiate journey started at Tarleton State before going on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas. At Texas, he was a kicker and punter on the football team while also participating in track. He earned his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine.
From 1968 to 1970, he served his country as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Army. As a result of his bravery and exceptional service, he received the Combat Flight Medal, the Vietnamese Navy Medal and the Vietnamese Distinguished Service Medal.
Last June, the City of Stephenville presented him with a proclamation and a key to the city to celebrate his contributions to the field of mechanical circulatory support and his efforts in pioneering treatments for patients suffering from heart failure.
“I am deeply honored and proud of this recognition that Tarleton has bestowed upon me,” said Dr. Frazier. “I am remembering my years of growing up in the shadow of my father’s long service and devotion to Tarleton with his practical and focused goals. Both Tarleton and my father have represented to me the importance of dedication and commitment to a worthy cause.”
Bud and his wife, Rachel, are the proud parents of a son, Todd, and daughter, Allison.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.