Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University, a leading educator of working adults in central Ohio, is pleased to announce its participation in a visit today, Thursday, Feb. 12, by three Iraqi university presidents traveling to the United States to attend the American Council on Education’s national conference, as well as meet with senior education officials.

This week’s visit is part of a proposal introduced last year by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki aimed at revitalizing the country’s educational system. Once fully implemented, the plan will fund 10,000 Iraqi students to study abroad each year for the next five years.

By visiting with representatives from key U.S. universities, Iraqi leaders hope to improve dialogue and relationships between American and Iraqi universities, ultimately assisting in the implementation of last year’s proposal. Once implemented the proposal will also provide additional money for Fulbright scholarships to allow Iraqi students to study in the U.S. and help fund student exchange programs. During this week’s visit, the three Iraqi university leaders will be exposed to the newest developments in pedagogy, technology, and administration in U.S. higher education.

The university presidents are scheduled to visit Franklin University, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, and Texas A&M University. During their visit to Franklin, the Iraqi university leaders will meet with Dr. David Decker, Franklin President; Dr. Ron Hartung, Division Chair for the Division of Computer and Information Sciences; and Dr. Keith Groff, Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology.

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, including the Vantage MBA^®and graduates more than 1,500 students annually.