Franklin University Elevates Educator Preparation with H.K. and Eva James College of Education Designation

Contact:

Chelsey Lloyd
Associate Director of Public Relations
(614) 947-6047
Email: chelsey.lloyd@franklin.edu

Contact:

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

Reflecting the continued growth, scale, and national reach of its educator preparation programs, Franklin University announced today that its School of Education has officially transitioned to a College of Education and will now be known as the H.K. and Eva James College of Education.

The transition recognizes the significant expansion and increasing prominence of Franklin University’s education programs, which include undergraduate and graduate degrees, expanded licensure pathways, and multi-state reach. Elevating the unit from a school to a college aligns Franklin University with peer institutions nationwide and reinforces educator preparation as a core pillar of the University’s academic and workforce-focused mission, and a strategic investment in its continued growth, visibility, and impact within higher education.

“Over time, the scope and influence of our education programs have evolved well beyond a school-level structure,” said Jonathan McCombs, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Franklin University. “The H.K. and Eva James College of Education more accurately reflects the depth, rigor, and reach of our programs, while positioning the college for continued innovation, partnership development, and national impact.”

The College of Education designation signals Franklin University’s long-term institutional commitment to educator preparation, education-focused scholarship, and workforce-aligned learning. 

The naming of the college honors H.K. and Eva James, lifelong educators in western North Carolina who dedicated their professional lives to the field of education. They are the parents of Gary James, an esteemed Franklin University alumnus, a 34-year member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and a generous contributor. This recognition honors the James family’s enduring belief in the transformative power of education and their confidence in Franklin University’s mission and future.

For more information about Franklin University and the H.K. and Eva James College of Education, visit H.K. and Eva James College of Education

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).