could speak seven different Aboriginal languages and understand another two, as well as speaking English. His surname derives from his Scottish father. He was of the Gumbangeri people on his mother's side, but was also initiated into his wife Sarah Morris's people, the Dhungatti nation. A Catholic priest, Father Kelly, helped Archibald to build a house, completed in 1957, in which many relatives came to live. Archibald was revered by the Armidale Koori and community for his knowledge of so many Aboriginal issues, particularly in the education of his people and others.
The Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture was founded by Lynette Riley, with the inaugural lecture given in 1986 by Eric Willmot. Since then, speakers have included:
=== Academic reputation ===
National publications
In the Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2024, the university was ranked #34 amongst Australian universities.
Global publications
In the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (published 2025), the university …
