Frank Samuel Pinet was born on November 8th, 1920 in Topeka, KS, the son of Frank Leo and Hattie (McClure) Pinet. He received his B.S., M.B.A., and Ph.D. in Business from the University of Kansas respectively in 1942, 1947, and 1955, his studies interrupted to serve in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War. He worked as a professor and as Associate Dean and Director of Management Programs during his time at the University of Kansas' Business School.

Dr. Pinet was a faculty member at the University of Kansas Business school from 1955 to 1986, specializing in teaching organizational behavior and administration. In 1955, he organized the state’s first executive education and development program, which became a model for the industry. Dr. Pinet received numerous awards, including the Standard Oil Foundation award for teaching in the School of Business and the Mortar Board Educator Award.

Pinet was exceedingly active outside the university and contributed to multiple organizations within his field of research. He taught business management programs throughout the United States and Europe and frequently contributed his writings to Public Utilities Fortnightly, Telephone Engineer and Management, and other business publications. He was a member of the American Economics Association, Industrial Relations Research Association, and served as a mediator for the Kansas Department of Labor. Due to his contribution to his field, he received the Telecommunications industry USITA Pacesetter Award.

Pinet was married to Ruth Esettle Eddy in 1942; they later divorced. In 1956 he married Winifred Pinet, who was also a KU graduate (class of 1955). She was an avid supporter of the arts and frequently served as a docent and volunteer, participating in numerous events at the Spencer Museum of Art. She passed away January 24th, 1995.

Dr. Pinet passed away at the age of 78 on November 25th, 1998, leaving behind five children: Christopher, Nancy, Rosemary, Winifred, and Michele.

The Pinets' house at 704 W. 12th Street went to the University of Kansas Endowment, which in 2007-2008 was renovated through funds donated by Tom and Jann Rudkin and opened as the International House for long-term visiting international scholars.