Franklin University Alumni Group

🌟A Huge Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor, Columbus Young Professionals!🌟

We’re thrilled to have Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) as a Platinum Sponsor of the 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium! Your support is invaluable in helping us empower leaders and drive leadership development.

CYP is dedicated to connecting, developing, and engaging young professionals in Columbus, making a lasting impact on the community. Learn more about their initiatives at https://www.cypclub.com/

Thank you, CYP, for your continued partnership and commitment to leadership excellence!

🌟 A Huge Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor, Hexion! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful to for their continued support as a Platinum Sponsor of the 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium. This marks Hexion’s third year partnering with us to empower leaders and drive transformative leadership development!

Hexion is a global leader in creating sustainable, innovative solutions across industries. Learn more about Hexion https://www.hexion.com/.

Your commitment to leadership and community impact inspires us all—thank you for making this event possible!

Celebrate Your Favorite Franklin Grad in Style!

Looking for the perfect gear to congratulate a recent Franklin University graduate? Look no further! The Franklin University Spirit Store has a fantastic selection of apparel, accessories, and more to help you show your Franklin pride.

Plus, when you shop, you're not just picking up great gear—you’re also supporting future students. A portion of every purchase helps fund Franklin University scholarships, making a real difference.

Shop here: https://companywebstore.com/franklin.

We’re excited to unveil our newly revamped Commencement page, designed to honor the incredible achievements of our graduates!

Explore the highlights, relive the memorable moments, and celebrate the journey by visiting franklin.edu/commencement. As you celebrate, remember—you’re now part of Franklin University’s global alumni network of over 50,000 strong!

Share the page with your friends and family—tag us and use the hashtag so we can celebrate with you!

🎉 A Huge Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor: Innovative Leadership Institute! 🎉

We are deeply grateful to the Innovative Leadership Institute for their generous support as a Platinum Sponsor again this year’s Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium. Their commitment to leadership development is invaluable!

We’re also thrilled to share that Maureen Metcalf, Founder and CEO of Innovative Leadership Institute, will be leading a session:

🗓 "Future-Ready Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation for Transformation"
🕛 When: Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 12:00 PM
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL - It's NOT TOO LATE

Thank you, Innovative Leadership Institute, for your continued support and for contributing to our speaker lineup! Don’t miss this insightful session on how to build strong, future-ready leadership.

🌟 **We’re Just ONE Day Away!** 🌟

There’s still time to register for the 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium — and you definitely don’t want to miss our opening keynote speaker, Anthony Iannarino!

Anthony will kick off the symposium with powerful insights on leadership, positivity, and how to drive success in today's ever-changing world. 🚀

📅 Event Starts Tomorrow!
🕒 Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (EDT)
📍 Location: Virtual

Haven't registered yet? No problem! There's still time to secure your spot.
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL

💡 Don’t forget: All sessions are available to registered attendees for 6 months after the event—so even if you can’t catch everything live, you’ll have plenty of time to revisit!

In addition to celebrating our graduates on Sunday, Franklin University proudly honored Dorrie Dils with the prestigious Alumni Award for Professional Excellence.

This esteemed award is presented to an outstanding alumnus who has demonstrated sustained success and remarkable achievements throughout their career. Dorrie Dils exemplifies this honor with exceptional contributions to her profession, impacting local, national, and international communities.

Dorrie Dils is president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. As the leader of the nation’s 11th-largest organ and tissue program, Dils oversees a staff of more than 400 professionals who work statewide to help fulfill the decisions of organ and tissue donors and their families. Dils also serves as president of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, which represents 48 of the nation’s 56 organ donor programs. In that role, she works on national issues that impact organ donation to increase donation and save the lives of the more than 100,000 people waiting for an organ transplant.

Dils began her career at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, as a registered nurse in a busy Level-I trauma intensive care unit. She transitioned to organ donation in 1991, as a donation coordinator for Lifeline of Ohio, where she served in various capacities until eventually becoming the chief clinical officer.

Dils has been active nationally, serving on the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) OPO, Thoracic and Transplant Administrators committees, as well as the OPTN Board of Directors. Previously, she served as vice chair of the University of Toledo Donation and Transplant Sciences program. She is a former chair of the AOPO Ethics Committee and served as vice chair of its Advocacy Committee.

Dils was a faculty member for the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) collaborative. She served as a board member for the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She was honored by Business First as part of the publication’s 2004 Forty Under 40 class and in 2020, Dils was named a Notable Woman in Health by Crain’s Detroit Business.

Dils has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Franklin University and a master’s in healthcare administration from Ohio University.

Congratulations, Dils, on this well-deserved recognition: franklin.edu/commencement!

Kicking off the countdown for next week’s Mason Leadership Symposium (Sept. 17-19, 2024), the Office of Community Relations, Franklin University Alumni sat down with the two keynote speakers.

Ready to be inspired? Give this month’s podcast episode a listen: https://bit.ly/4eiABv8, and don’t forget to register for next week’s Mason Leadership Symposium event: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL.

Franklin University Leadership Center

Franklin University Alumni Group, join us in celebrating our newest graduates as they become part of our thriving global network of over 50,000 alumni! Drop your graduation year and program in the comments to share your journey and inspire the next generation. Let’s extend a warm welcome and highlight the incredible bonds within our Franklin family, showing the true strength of connection and community!

franklin.edu/commencement

🌟 Calling Leaders of All Levels! 🌟

Join us on Day Two of the 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium on Wednesday, September 18 @ 11 a.m. (EDT) for an inspiring leadership discussion featuring some of the top nonprofit leaders in Central Ohio!

This symposium is designed for leaders across all sectors and levels, including those making an impact in nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, and more.

Our transformative sessions will empower you to:

- Lead with courage and resilience in today’s rapidly changing world
- Innovate and drive meaningful impact within your organization and community
- Cultivate focus and strategic thinking to inspire your team and stakeholders

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, this symposium will help you sharpen your skills and connect with like-minded individuals.

📅 Dates: September 17-19
🕒 Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (EDT)
📍 Location: Virtual

💡Did you know? All sessions are available to registered attendees for 6 months after the event—perfect for leaders with busy schedules!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from top speakers and network with leaders from various fields.

🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL

Continuing its commitment to bridging academic learning with industry expertise, Franklin University announces Dr. Scena Webb as the newest Executive in Residence (EiR) for the 2024-2025 academic year. As the University’s first Public Administration EiR within The Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education, Dr. Webb’s appointment underscores the University’s dedication to offering students real-world insights and mentorship from distinguished professionals.

Dr. Webb is a proud faculty member of Franklin’s MPA program and serves as the director of Industry Operations at ATF's Atlanta Field Division, which covers the state of Georgia. Dr. Webb brings a diverse background in federal government, military, organizational leadership, and academia. Her unique blend of real-world leadership experience and discipline-specific knowledge will benefit the Franklin community significantly.

During her Executive in Residence, Dr. Webb will provide invaluable mentorship to students, offering practical guidance and career advice drawn from her extensive background. She will also lead the EiR webinar series, "Pathways to Executive Excellence: Insights and Lessons from the Top with a Focus on Public Service," where she will share her experiences and strategies for success in public service, alongside monthly guests. Additionally, Dr. Webb will collaborate closely with faculty to enhance the curriculum, ensuring that Franklin University’s programs maintain the highest standards of relevance and excellence in these critical fields.

Learn more about Franklin’s EiR program: https://bit.ly/4e6ml9b.

In observance of Labor Day, Franklin University is closed today, Sept. 2, 2024.

During this closure, support and services provided through the University will not be available. These include the Learning Commons, University Help Desk and Business Office.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Join us on the last day of the 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium, Thursday, September 19 at 11 a.m., for an inspiring keynote by Partlow, CPP!

Stan Partlow currently serves as the Chair of the Board Franklin University and has a distinguished career. He retired from American Electric Power (AEP) in 2020, where he served as Vice President and Chief Security Officer since September 1, 2015. Stan joined AEP in 2005 and had leadership responsibilities for physical security operations, access control, asset protection, aviation services, cyber security, procurement, and the motor vehicle fleet.

Before his tenure at AEP, Stan dedicated over 25 years to law enforcement. He served the Columbus Division of Police for over 21 years, retiring as the Commander of the Detective Bureau. Additionally, Stan served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1984-1988, conducting various criminal investigations.

Stan has also contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at Franklin University and Capital University, teaching Leadership and Public Safety Management programs. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University School of Law, a Master of Science degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Bowling Green State University.

📅 Dates: Tuesday, September 17 – Thursday, September 19
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ET) each day
📍 Location: Virtual

Reserve your spot NOW: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL

All registered attendees will have access to the Symposium sessions six months after the event to catch up on sessions at their convenience!

For a full schedule and speaker bios, visit: https://bit.ly/3LSmfoY

Franklin University's Grad Fest has officially kicked off its 177th Commencement! 🎓 As we pick up our caps and gowns, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter. Congratulations to the Class of 2024—your hard work and dedication have brought you to this exciting moment. Here's to celebrating your remarkable achievements and the future that lies ahead!

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

Join us on Tuesday, September 17, at 11 a.m. (ET) for the 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium kickoff with keynote speaker Anthony Iannarino!

Anthony Iannarino is an acclaimed American writer who has been publishing daily at www.thesalesblog.com for over 14 years, amassing 5,300 articles. His platform has become a go-to destination for salespeople and sales leaders. Anthony is the author of six best-selling books that document modern methodologies for improving sales effectiveness and increasing win rates.

His latest book, "The Negativity Fast: Proven Techniques to Increase Positivity, Reduce Fear, and Boost Success", offers invaluable insights for sales leaders seeking revenue growth.

Anthony speaks to sales organizations worldwide, delivering cutting-edge sales and leadership strategies and tactics for the evolving B2B landscape. He also provides impactful workshops and seminars.

✨Early Bird Pricing✨ Register NOW and save 50% with code EB2024 through TOMORROW Friday, Aug.16: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field!

📅 Dates: Tuesday, September 17 – Thursday, September 19
🕒 Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ET) each day
📍 Location: Virtual

For a full schedule and speaker bios, visit: https://bit.ly/3LSmfoY

Franklin University is proud to celebrate its distinguished faculty, Dr. Jiang Li, Dr. Chunbo Chu, and Dr. Todd Whittaker, on the acceptance of their research paper, "Identifying Interpretable Features Impacting Nontraditional Undergraduate Computer Science Student Retention," at the Frontiers (FIE) 2024 Conference!

Co-sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the IEEE Computer Society, the IEEE Education Society, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and ASEE Educational Research and Methods Division, the Frontiers in Education (FIE) Conference is a major international conference focusing on educational innovations and research in engineering and computing education leading the world to develop of new research insights and educational approaches.

Their innovative study uses machine learning to uncover key factors affecting the retention of nontraditional computer science students—those who often face unique challenges due to delayed enrollment, part-time attendance, and more. The research identifies critical elements like GPA, course load, class format, age, community college partnerships, and financial aid as pivotal to student retention.

By addressing these specific needs, this work not only advances academic understanding but also strengthens Franklin University’s commitment to supporting all students. Thank you, Dr. Li, Dr. Chu, and Dr. Whittaker, for your invaluable contributions to enhancing student success!

Franklin University, where curiosity, flexibility, and future-forward thinking are valued. Learn more about the University’s online degree programs in computer science: https://bit.ly/3qiyJiJ.

🌟 2024 Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium 🌟

📅 Dates: Tuesday, September 17 – Thursday, September 19
🕒 Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ET) each day
📍 Location: Virtual

We are thrilled to share that the registration for this year’s Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium is now open! Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot for this transformative event with our early bird pricing with code EB2024: https://bit.ly/4dgnUAL.

All registered attendees will have access to the Symposium sessions six months after the event to catch up on sessions at their convenience!

For a full schedule and speaker bios, visit: https://bit.ly/3LSmfoY.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

The University will be closed today, July 4, in honor of the Independence Day holiday. During this closure, support and services provided through the University will not be available. These include the Learning Commons, University Help Desk and Business Office.

This month, we had an enlightening conversation with Holly McFarland and Pete Kaplan about the NEW retirement. They shared invaluable insights on preparing financially and navigating the psychological aspects of retiring happily and healthily. Don't miss this episode—tune in for expert advice and practical tips: https://bit.ly/3zd37Pz!

Franklin University is pleased to announce the addition of two new focus areas within its Doctor of Education in Instructional Design Leadership (Ed.D.-IDL) degree program. Today’s announcement continues to add to the University’s reputation as Ohio’s #1 nonprofit university for online degrees by offering relevant degrees and focus areas aligned with a student’s specific career interest.

Uniquely designed for the busy professional, Franklin’s online Doctor of Education in Instructional Design Leadership program prepares learners to design and develop transformative materials with a tailored education in the following disciplines:

Ed.D.-IDL: Curriculum & Instruction
Ed.D.-IDL: Education Technology

Students in Franklin’s online Doctorate of Education in Instructional Design Leadership are equipped to design effective, transformative learning and instruction – especially as technology and training needs and methodologies continue to evolve.

Built for working adults, Franklin University’s Ed.D.-IDL classes are 100% online, and can be completed in as few as three years.

Learn more about Franklin’s Ed.D.-IDL focus areas: https://bit.ly/3xtWyrb.

Franklin’s Distinguished Sales Speaker Series: The Art & Science of Professional Selling is pleased to bring you “The Psychology of Selling Workshop” with Steve W. Martin, Silicon Valley sales leader and author of six books on the human nature of complex sales.

Steve transforms sales organizations through his sales effectiveness consulting, training, and research. He’s worked with over 300 companies including Google, PayPal, IBM, and HP. He’s helped over 150,000 salespeople become top revenue producers. Steve is the foremost expert on “Sales Linguistics,” the study of how salespeople and customers use language during the decision-making process.

Steve is a noted sales researcher who has written 35 Harvard Business Review articles on top salesperson performance, high performing sales organizations and buyer decision-making behavior. He is the author of six books on the human nature of complex sales and his latest book is titled Sales Strategy Playbook: The Ultimate Reference Guide to Solve Your Toughest Sales Challenges. Steve teaches the Art and Science of Sales at the University of Southern California Marshall Business School MBA Program.

Register here if you’re ready to learn from a noted expert on “Sales Linguistics,” on June 26: https://bit.ly/44SS2ik.

Today we observe Juneteenth, a day when we pause to reflect upon the nation-shaking struggle to abolish slavery. The day brings to our minds the lasting legacy of those centuries of bo***ge, the bravery of those who fell in the cause of justice, and the duty as citizens to confront the unalloyed truth of the past and the unseen possibilities of the future.

Today we honor the contributions of Black Americans to this country.

During this closure, support and services provided through the University will not be available.

Franklin University is pleased to announce that its Master of Science in Cybersecurity program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE in Cybersecurity Community) by the NSA - National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This prestigious designation underscores the University's commitment to addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and highlights the pivotal role of higher education in advancing skills in emerging technologies and safeguarding America’s cyberspace.

Adding validation to its designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense for its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity earned in 2019, the University is proud to expand on this designation, awarded for its Master of Science in Cybersecurity as a result of its thorough investigation into the University's cybersecurity curriculum, faculty credentials and competence in research and student involvement in cybersecurity activities.

“This is a wonderful achievement for our master's students as this can open additional employment venues or streamline some employment processes for our students entering cybersecurity,” shared Dr. Denise Bergstrom, program chair, Cybersecurity (AS, BS, MS), Computing Sciences and Mathematics. “The NSA CAE-CD Designation is a detailed and difficult process that takes months of work from many people and departments across the University. It is a testament to the focus and priorities of the institution that we are able to work together to achieve this prestigious designation for our program and, ultimately, for our students.”

To learn more about charting new frontiers in Cybersecurity from a nationally recognized university, click here: https://bit.ly/3R8QSKh.

Franklin University is proud to celebrate Tracie Miller, PhD, CPA, M.S. and B.S. Accounting program chair at Franklin, as the distinguished recipient of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Bea Sanders EDGE in Teaching Award.

The Bea Sanders Award is a notable accolade that highlights the critical importance of introductory courses in accounting education, enhancing the appeal of the accounting major. Dr. Tracie Miller, along with her co-author, Dr. Wendy Tietz, have been recognized for their exceptional contribution to this field through the development of an ESG module, which students engage with in her introductory accounting courses.

Dr. Miller's module, “ESG Projects for Introductory Accounting,” is a comprehensive series of projects that challenge students to analyze organization dashboards and reports, as well as compare the ESG performance of various organizations. The module not only addresses a crucial and contemporary business topic within the accounting profession but also sparks great interest among young professionals entering the field. The AICPA commends Dr. Miller for her visionary work in capturing students' interest in ESG and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for the modern accounting world of accounting.

Congratulations, Dr. Miller, for your instrumental work and dedication to leading Franklin University’s brightest learners. Dr. Miller’s achievements exemplify the high standards of excellence that Franklin University faculty upholds.

If you’re interested in forging an exciting and flexible career path with an online accounting degree, learn more about Franklin University, proudly ranked #1 for Online Accounting Degrees in Ohio: https://bit.ly/3x4w2Vm.

Franklin University is pleased to announce the addition of three new specializations within its Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program.

Uniquely designed for the busy professional, Franklin’s online MHA degree courses are formed with the emerging trends and best practices of the contemporary healthcare environment, providing a tailored education in the following disciplines:

MHA-Human Resources Specialization
MHA-Operational Excellence Specialization
MHA-Organizational Leadership Specialization

Students in Franklin’s online accredited MHA program benefit from the expertise and experience of an industry-specific Advisory Board, overseeing the relevant curriculum within the University’s MHA programs. Input from board members like the hospital president and COO of Mt. Carmel East Hospital, a medical association CEO, an SVP at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the president of Grady Memorial Hospitals inject industry-specific learnings into its classes and coursework.

Built for working adults, Franklin University’s MHA classes are 100% online, and can be completed in as few as 14 months, with no GMAT/GRE required.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3EYhQLC.

The Office of Community Relations presents: Motivation to Elevate Your Professional Performance - with Dr. Kelly Renner.

Join us for an informative workshop to empower professionals with motivational theories and techniques to enhance workplace performance. Time will be allotted to practice applying the techniques introduced in order to assist participants with developing the skills needed to achieve their professional goals. This event is ideal for managers, team leaders, HR professionals, and anyone aiming to boost their own or their motivation and productivity.

Key takeaways from this workshop will be:
- Motivational Exercises: Grounded in theory, participants will learn techniques to increase motivation.
- Personalized Action Plans: Participants will develop individually tailored plans to achieve their professional goals.

Register today to elevate your professional performance: https://bit.ly/3Vyfr5H.

Join Franklin University as we host our next event in the Distinguished Sales Speaker Series. We invite you to take a deeper dive into the many aspects of sales, with a two-hour workshop on The Psychology of Selling Workshop with Steve W. Martin.

In this unique workshop, we explore the psychology of selling from three different perspectives.

1. The Persona of Top Salespeople
Explore the attributes that define top salespeople, based on Steve W. Martin's extensive research.

2. Buyer Sales Psychology
Step into your customer's shoes to understand how they perceive sales presentations.

3. Selling to C-Suite Executives
Master the linguistic strategies needed to win over C-level executives.

Join us on June 26 with sales expert, Steve Martin: https://bit.ly/44SS2ik.

Be sure to catch our latest Franklin Alumni Podcast, Shattering Stigmas: Understanding the Realities of Mental Health, with Dr. Ameena Kemavo, vice president, Advocacy and Engagement with the ADAMH Board of Franklin County.

Dr. K shares her expert insights on mental health, how to recognize signs and symptoms of illness as it relates to brain health, breaking down the stigma, how to better help others and self-care measures for better mental health. You don’t want to miss this podcast and the excellent information Dr. K provides: https://franklinalum.libsyn.com/website.

Franklin University is pleased to announce the addition of four new specializations within its Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. Today’s announcement continues to add to the University’s reputation as Ohio’s #1 nonprofit university for online degrees, offering relevant degrees and specializations aligned with a student’s specific career interest.

Continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence, Franklin provides its students with a traditional MPA, in addition to specializations, providing a tailored education in the following disciplines:

MPA-Criminal Justice Specialization
MPA-Healthcare Specialization
MPA-Human Resources Specialization
MPA-Organizational Leadership Specialization

Built for working adults, Franklin University’s MPA classes are 100% online, and can be completed in as few as 14 months, with no GMAT/GRE required, and are designed to align with students’ career interests and aspirations.

Learn more about Franklin’s MPA specializations: https://bit.ly/3Cm6YHD.