Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, celebrated its 130th Commencement in a ceremony held Sunday, January 4, 2009.  Along with honoring the graduates, Franklin also recognized Carol Pitman and Ted Jones from its faculty as recipients of the distinguished Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award.

Carol Pitman has been an instructor in Franklin's Human Resources Management program as well as Franklin's MBA program since 2004.  Pitman received her Master of Arts in organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University.  In 1996, she successfully met and continues to maintain the requirements for certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by the Society for Human Resource Management.  Pitman has more than three decades of professional experience with a commitment to continuous quality, working as a strategic partner for Fortune 500 companies in both the accounting and human resource management disciplines.  As the owner of Excellence in Human Resource Consulting, she works as an independent consultant providing solutions to human resource challenges and issues for small businesses with a specialty in labor relations.

Ted Jones has served as an adjunct professor of Marketing in the graduate program at Franklin since 2004. After earning his Bachelor of Science degrees in both Marketing and Business Administration and an MBA from Franklin, he is continuing his academic achievements by pursuing his Ph.D. with a specialization in Postsecondary and Adult Education. He also brings exceptional real-life experiences and knowledge to the classroom, with more than two decades of professional service in the Hospitality/Travel and Tourism industries. Ultimately, Mr. Jones challenges his learners to never settle for less than what is possible and prepare for goals that have yet to be realized - all while remembering to have fun and enjoy the journey.

The Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award is determined each trimester by Franklin's graduating class. Students select a faculty member who challenged them intellectually and guided them in finding the significance of course content as it related to them both professionally and personally. The graduate and undergraduate faculty members receiving the most nominations are identified for this honor.  Robert L. Bailey, retired CEO and Chairman of State Auto Insurance Companies, is a past Chairman of Franklin's Board of Trustees.

About Franklin University

Founded in 1902, Franklin University is central Ohio's leading and most experienced educator of adult students. Annually, more than 10,000 students attend Franklin, both on-site and online. Franklin offers 19 undergraduate majors and three graduate programs, and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.