Robert Bailey Award Summer 09

Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, celebrated its 131st Commencement in a ceremony held Sunday, May 10, 2009.  Along with honoring the graduates, Franklin also recognized Dr. Charles Dygert and Nancy Fidler from its faculty as recipients of the distinguished Robert L. Bailey Teaching Award.

Dr. Charles Dygert has been an adjunct instructor in Franklin's graduate business program for the past 10 years. He began his career as an apprentice tool and die maker for General Motors while working toward a bachelor's degree at The Ohio State University. He later earned his master's and doctorate degrees at the Ohio State University during his 19 years there as a faculty member. He is a past president of the Ohio Chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a former member of the NSA Board of Directors. Dr. Dygert has received both the Certified Speaking Professional designation and the Council of Peers Award for Excellence from the NSA. A speaker and consultant since 1985, Dr. Dygert has given more than 2,500 presentations in all 50 states and in several foreign countries. He speaks on a wide array of topics and is the author of the book Success is a Team Effort and co-author of Creating a Culture of Success and Managing for Success.

Nancy Fidler has been an Accounting instructor at Franklin for more than five years, teaching both online and on campus classes. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from Franklin University and has fond memories of the instructors who influenced her career. As a result, she aspires to continue that tradition. Fidler launched her own accounting firm after graduating from Franklin and continues to practice today. To stay competitive in the dynamic field of taxation, she earned a Master of Taxation from Capital University. Fidler brings to the classroom a blend of her academic and professional background and a sincere desire for every student to experience the joy of learning.

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 11,000 students attend Franklin, both on campus and online. Franklin offers 25 (with 4 beginning in Fall 2009) 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.