Baily Award Fall 2010

Columbus, Ohio – Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, celebrated its 134rd Commencement in a ceremony held Sunday, May 9, 2010.  Along with honoring the graduates, Franklin also recognized Wendy Neaville and Rick Wilson from its faculty as recipients of the distinguished Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award.

Wendy Neaville has been a Statistics instructor at Franklin since 2006, teaching both face-to-face and online classes. Bringing a strong background of textbook knowledge and professional business experience to the classroom, she also taught Statistics and Algebra at Park College while serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1995-2003. Neaville earned her B.S. in Operations Research from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1992 and her M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1993. She has also worked as a business analyst for Limited Brands, applying her engineering and statistical skills in a variety of business-related settings.  

From a student’s nomination:

At the start of my Statistics class, I was completely lost. Professor Neaville provided me with valuable feedback and explained exactly how to solve certain problems in the course. Due to her knowledge of the subject taught and her prompt constructive feedback, I was able to successfully gain a genuine interest.”  

Richard Wilson has been an instructor at Franklin since 2002, teaching face-to-face and online undergraduate courses as well as courses in the MBA and MCM programs. His professional career includes 10 years in his family business, management and consulting positions with John Deere Company, and serving as Director of Business and Technologies at Central Ohio Technical College. Wilson, who earned his B.S. in Business Administration and MBA from Franklin, blends his passion for teaching with his academic and professional experiences to create an interactive, fun, and inclusive learning environment.  

From a student’s nomination:  

“Richard Wilson was the first professor I had in the MCM Program. He set the benchmark for quality and the educational experiences he provided were incomparable. Professor Wilson is not only a subject-matter expert, but he is also willing to challenge and learn with his students. He cares that we understand the class and wants us to grow to reach our fullest potential holistically.”

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 one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. Annually, more than 11,000 students attend Franklin, both at its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, three Central Ohio locations, and at its newest location in Indianapolis, in addition to online. Franklin offers 27 undergraduate majors (including three new available Fall 2010) as well as three graduate programs and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. The University’s MBA program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe and the Far East.  Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at .