Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University, a leader in educating working adults in central Ohio, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Christopher Washington as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs as part of the University's restructuring of its academic and administrative areas. 

Dr. Washington is a long-standing member of the University with a deep understanding of the opportunities available to position the University's academic affairs unit for growth.  In his new role Dr. Washington will help lead efforts to build on the quality of the University's academic products and innovation process by positioning the academic affairs unit for growth.  He will help oversee the formation of the new College of Business and the College of Arts, Sciences and Technology, a significant event in the life of Franklin University. The new colleges will embrace current and future academic programs that share curriculum features based on foundational disciplines, and current and future faculty who will tackle the range of learning needs, and professional challenges and opportunities unique to their respective fields of study.

Dr. Washington, the former Chief Academic Officer at Franklin University, began his career at the University in 1999 as a full-time faculty member. He then held the role of program chair of Franklin's Master of Business Administration Program. In addition to his duties at Franklin, Dr. Washington has also served as an adjunct faculty member at two other universities, teaching courses in professional effectiveness planning, creative change and organizational improvement.

Dr. Washington serves on the Ohio Board of Regents Transfer and Articulation Council, serves as a consultant/evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission, is Chairman of the Board for the Columbus Urban League and is a Board Member for Lifeline of Ohio.  He is also the Central Ohio Alumni Chapter President of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and serves as a member of the Ohio College of Business Deans Group, the Columbus Urban League, the United Way Outcomes Advisory Council, the National Black MBA Association and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He has been selected as a recipient for Business First's 40 Under 40, Ohio Magazine's Outstanding Educator Award and the Robert L. Bailey Outstanding Teaching Award.

A Chicago native, Dr. Washington earned his Doctorate in Philosophy from The Ohio State University, and holds a master of science degree and bachelor of arts degree from Western Illinois University. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children: Jacques, Faith and Victoria.

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 campus 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.