Franklin University Honors Three Employees with 2024-2025 SOCHE Excellence Awards

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University is proud to announce that three outstanding members of its faculty and staff have been recognized with the 2024-2025 SOCHE (Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education) Excellence Awards. The recipients include Carly Cecil, manager of student affairs systems & operations; Justin Busbey, executive director of implementation and planning; and Dr. Tanya Moore, program chair of Master of Education and Primary Education. These individuals were selected for their exceptional contributions to the University.

SOCHE Staff Excellence Award Winner – Carly Cecil

Carly Cecil, manager of student affairs systems and operations, has been recognized for her innovative approach to enhancing student engagement at Franklin University. Through her work in predictive analytics and collaboration with academic advising, Carly led several outreach initiatives, including disaster response communications. "Carly’s ability to leverage data to support students and streamline communication processes has strengthened our ability to respond to students’ needs, making a significant impact on student success," said Dr. Jessica Chambers, dean of students.

SOCHE Campus Impact Award Winner – Justin Busbey

Justin Busbey, executive director of implementation and planning, has been instrumental in driving the success of Franklin University’s Student Affairs operations. His leadership in process automation and strategic project management has greatly improved the efficiency of the department. “Justin’s strategic vision and ability to execute complex projects, especially in international partnerships, have been pivotal in creating an efficient and effective student affairs system,” said Dr. Lynne Rouzer, senior vice president, student affairs & enrollment management, and Rick Sunderman, senior vice president and chief information officer.

SOCHE Faculty Excellence Award Winner – Dr. Tanya Moore

Dr. Tanya Moore, program chair of the Master of Education and Primary Education, has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing Franklin’s School of Education. She was instrumental in creating Ohio’s first registered apprenticeship for educators and launching the Superintendent Certificate program. "Dr. Moore’s visionary leadership in educational program development, particularly in shaping future leaders in education, has had a lasting impact on our institution and the state of Ohio,” said Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president, academic quality & planning and dean, School of Education.

The SOCHE Excellence Awards recognize the exceptional contributions of individuals at colleges and universities throughout southwestern Ohio. These prestigious awards celebrate the commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact that drive the success of students, faculty, and staff.

Congratulations Carly Cecil, Justin Busbey, and Dr. Tanya Moore.

For more information about Franklin University, visit franklin.edu.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).