Dr. Foster with grand-daughter Kristen;
a third year student at Queen's University

Franklin Lloyd Foster grew up on a family farm near Lloydminster, Alberta. He attended a one-room country school (Golden Valley School) for grades 1 through 8. He took his high schooling in Lloydminster, (photo); received his Bachelor of Education Degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta and a Masters Degree and Doctoral Degree from Queen's University in Kingston. He is a recognized authority on the history of Alberta. His major works include The 1921 Alberta Provincial Election; John E. Brownlee: A Biography; Bordering on Greatness: A History of Lloydminster's First Century (with Alan Griffith); and The Trail of 1903 (Editor). He is a contributing author to Alberta's Premiers of the 20th Century (2004).

Dr. Foster has more than 25 years experience as a history professor: at Queen's University, Red Deer College, and, from 1989 to 2010, at Lakeland College. He has also worked for the National Archives of Canada, the Department of National Defense, the Lakeland School Division, and the County of Vermilion River.  As well, he and his wife, Dorothy, have owned and managed two successful small businesses - including Foster Learning Inc.