Franklin University’s Dr. Wendy Eaton Appointed to ICMA Graduate Education Committee

Contact:

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

Franklin University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Wendy L. Eaton, Program Chair of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, to the Graduate Education Committee of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Dr. Eaton will serve a three-year term, furthering Franklin’s commitment to aligning academic excellence with workforce needs.

As a leading institution for adult learners and working professionals, Franklin University has built a reputation for delivering relevant, high-quality academic programs that directly address the evolving demands of today’s workforce. The University’s partnerships with employers and professional organizations ensure that its programs—including the MPA—are designed to equip students with practical, in-demand skills that translate seamlessly into the workplace.

The ICMA, recognized globally as the premier association for professional city and county management, relies on its Graduate Education Committee to bridge the gap between academia and local government. Dr. Eaton’s appointment underscores Franklin’s mission to prepare students for impactful public service careers by connecting classroom learning with real-world leadership and management challenges.

“I am honored and excited to represent Franklin University in this way and to contribute to the committee’s work in connecting academia with local government management,” said Dr. Eaton. “This opportunity will allow me new insights into municipal government, and I look forward to integrating these experiences into the MPA program, ensuring our graduates are workforce-ready and equipped to meet the needs of their communities.”

Franklin University’s focus on workforce development is evident in its innovative programs, such as the FranklinWORKS portfolio and the Career Advancement Program, which are tailored to meet employer needs and support career advancement for students and working professionals alike. Dr. Eaton’s role with ICMA will further strengthen the University’s ability to deliver education that benefits students, employers, and the broader community.

For more information about Franklin University’s Master of Public Administration program and its commitment to workforce readiness, visit https://www.franklin.edu/degrees/masters/public-administration-programs/public-administration.

About ICMA
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA), advances professional local government management worldwide through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics. ICMA provides member support, publications, data and information, peer and results-oriented assistance, and training and professional development to more than 12,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of individuals living in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas. ICMA has gathered more data on local government than any organization except the federal government, spanning a broad spectrum from economic development to local government innovation.

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).