Franklin University Celebrates Faculty Excellence and Career-Connected Community Through Day of Professional Growth

Contact:

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

Adjunct faculty, students and alumni come together to support teaching excellence, career advancement and lifelong learning

On Friday, May 29, Franklin University welcomed adjunct faculty, students, alumni, prospective students and community members to campus for a day focused on teaching excellence, professional development and career advancement.

The 2026 Adjunct Symposium & Service Recognition Celebration honored faculty members celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of service while providing professional development opportunities focused on student engagement, instructional innovation and emerging technologies in higher education.

Demonstrating the University's strong national community, adjunct faculty traveled from Florida, Maryland, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York and Colorado to participate. Their presence reflected Franklin's ability to build meaningful connections among faculty who teach and collaborate across state lines while remaining united by a shared commitment to student success.

The celebration continued with Rooted & Rising, a career-focused event that brought together prospective students, current students, alumni, faculty and professionals for executive mentoring, career coaching, networking and workforce-focused workshops.

Together, the events showcased Franklin University's distinctive approach to workforce-connected education, bringing industry-experienced faculty, learners, alumni and community partners together to support career mobility, professional advancement and lifelong success.

"At Franklin University, education extends far beyond the classroom," said Dr. David Decker, president of Franklin University. "Our adjunct faculty bring current industry expertise directly into the learning experience, helping ensure students gain relevant skills while becoming part of a supportive community that extends throughout their careers."

Many of the faculty recognized during the service awards celebration have dedicated decades to Franklin University, helping generations of students connect academic learning with real-world application. Their continued service reflects the lasting relationships and sense of belonging that define the Franklin experience.

Through workforce-aligned programs, practitioner faculty and career-connected support services, Franklin University continues to create opportunities for learners and educators to connect, collaborate and grow, regardless of where they live, work or learn.

FACT BOX
Event: Franklin University 2026 Adjunct Symposium & Service Recognition Celebration and Rooted & Rising
Institution: Franklin University
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Date: May 29, 2026
Focus: Teaching excellence, career-connected learning, community engagement and lifelong connection
Adjunct Recognition: Faculty honored for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of service
Faculty Reach: Adjuncts attended from Florida, Maryland, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York and Colorado
Key Message: Online learning does not mean disconnected learning; Franklin builds meaningful community across states, careers and life stages
Community Impact: Connects working professionals, alumni and students through workforce-aligned education, career support and shared Franklin experiences
Website: www.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).