Charles Frankel (December 13, 1917 – May 10, 1979) was an American philosopher, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State, professor and founding director of the National Humanities Center.

During World War II, Frankel served as lieutenant in the United States Navy[2] and in 1968 graduated from Mercer with a degree in law.

[2] In 1960, Frankel became chief consulting editor of Current and the same year became a member of board of directors of the Civil Liberties Union of New York State (where he would remain until 1965).

The New York Times reported that as Assistant Secretary of State, he advocated for "major changes in our international educational and cultural programs."

In 1978 Frankel became the first president and founding director of the National Humanities Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.