Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University, a leading educator of working adults in central Ohio, is pleased to announce the appointment of Theresa Lechton as Dean of Regional Campuses. Her distinguished professional background will bring a wealth of experience to the University’s implementation of its growth strategy.

In this new role, Lechton will work closely with Jane Robinson, Franklin’s Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff, in identifying potential domestic expansion targets as well as overseeing the implementation process.

“I am excited to be involved in Franklin’s growth strategy,” said Lechton. “I look forward to helping the University expand its reputation for providing educational opportunities in new locations outside of Ohio.”

Lechton comes to Franklin from DeVry University where she served as Regional Director of Operations for the Mid-East Region, managing eight university locations. Previous professional experience includes serving as Center Dean and as Senior Faculty for the Keller Graduate School of Management (Columbus campus); Project Manager and Consultant for Drake Beam Morin, Inc.; Adjunct Faculty for the National Fire Academy; Director, Change Management, Process Optimization and Benchmarking for Commonwealth Edison Co., and Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Lechton is earning a Doctorate of Management from the University of Maryland. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Illinois Institute of 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.