Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, is pleased to announce Dr. Keith Groff has been named Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology. Dr. Groff previously served as the Division Chair for the Division of Arts and Sciences and played an instrumental role in Franklin's recent reaccreditation efforts.

The role of Dean is new to Franklin, created during the University's July 2008 reorganization in which the College of Business and the College of Arts, Sciences and Technology were formed.  The formation of these two colleges is a significant event in the history of Franklin University. The new colleges embrace current and future academic programs that share curriculum features based on foundational disciplines, as well as current and future faculty members who will tackle the range of learning needs and professional challenges and opportunities unique to their respective fields of study.

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology is comprised of the Division of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Computer and Information Sciences. Franklin's Healthcare Management, Healthcare Information Systems Management, and Public Safety majors will ultimately transition to the College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology.

The Dean will promote and support the vision and mission of Franklin University via curriculum planning, course scheduling, faculty staffing and development, and the evaluation and continuous improvement of curriculum within the respective college. The Dean will work to resolve faculty issues, supervise Division Chairs, ensure the overall quality of curriculum in the respective college, ensure that programs conduct appropriate learning-outcome assessment, and assure the quality of the overall student experience.

Dr. Groff is the ideal candidate for this position for his academic leadership experience, his compelling vision for the college, and his commitment to collaborative and collegial relationships. Prior to coming to Franklin, Dr. Groff taught at Capital University, the University of Oregon, Boise State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and Harvard University. He also served at Jannus Pannonius University (Pecs, Hungary), directed the English/writing program at Eastern Oregon State University, and served as Associate Dean at Holy Family College in Philadelphia.

He has also served as a USIS Fellow at Al Mansoura University (Egypt), and as a Fulbright Research/Teaching Fellow at Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Rio de Janeiro.

Dr. Groff earned his Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Research from The Ohio State University, his master's degree in English from Boise State University, and his bachelor's degree in English/Spanish from The Ohio State University.

He is active in a number of professional academic organizations and has published widely in language acquisition topics.
Franklin University is continuing its search for a Dean for the College of Business, with interviews scheduled to begin in late February.

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.