May 2021 Newsletter
The Chronicle
Thank you for taking the time to read our monthly newsletter. We would love to hear from you and get your thoughts on what you want as an alumnus of Franklin. You play a major role in advancing Franklin’s mission to provide a high quality education to the broadest possible group of learners, and we will never take that for granted.
Alumni Spotlight
Monica L. Womack, associate vice president, Columbus Urban League
As the associate vice president of the Columbus Urban League (CUL), Monica supports the Financial Empowerment and Workforce Empowerment Services departments. Prior to joining CUL, she was the division manager serving as the grant and programmatic administrator for the state of Ohio’s Minority Business Assistant Center Network.
Monica’s volunteer work includes serving as the greater Columbus chapter president of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and on the organization’s local and national public policy committees. Her strong commitment to her community shines through in her work as financial secretary and public policy chair with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Monica holds a master’s in Public Administration (2020) and a bachelor’s in Finance (2003).
Choose Ohio First Grant Awarded to Franklin
In an effort to continue to make college more affordable for students, Franklin is honored to receive the Choose Ohio First (COF) Grant. This grant, combined with Franklin’s competitive tuition rate and generous transfer credit policy is another avenue to keep a degree within reach and extend our FranklinWORKS, Community College Alliance, and College Credit Plus initiatives.
Funded through the State of Ohio and the Department of Higher Education, the COF grant is designed to support the next generation of Ohio science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) scholars.
The awarded $540,000 grant, in promotion of a five-year COF program, provides Franklin the opportunity to expand on its 2019 COF funding, by increasing undergraduate and graduate support in STEMM related majors. This funding, will impact over 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Franklin.
The University is proud to align its goals with the COF mission, and remains committed to increasing educational access and opportunity, while strengthening Ohio’s economy in STEMM education. More than 4,500* Franklin University alumni reinforce this mission, holding STEMM-related positions in Ohio.
*Source: LinkedIn
Cybersecurity Funding Awarded
Dr. Bilge Karaback, lead faculty for cybersecurity, has been awarded funding by the Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI), to create and deploy an Introduction to Digital Forensics course. This funding is part of the OCRI Summer 2021 Faculty Fellowship program, which allows educators throughout Ohio to contribute resources for education, training, and skills essential in protecting digital assets.
New Industry- Aligned Microcredentials Available
Franklin University has announced its latest professional microcredential offerings – industry-aligned digital badges in project management, data analytics, digital marketing and CRM administration. Microcredentials enable participants to build specific skills quickly as a gateway to a professional certification, broadened career responsibilities and even career change.
These microcredentials were created in collaboration with developers of industry-leading tools and platforms and courses are taught by Franklin faculty. A co-branded digital badge, which can easily be displayed via social media, on electronic résumés, or in email signatures, is issued upon the completion of three, six-week online courses.
Asana Project Management: Students build proficiency with Asana, a widely used project management collaboration tool, to complete projects based on real on-the-job scenarios, while building a portfolio to showcase their talents to future employers. Courses are preparation for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) exam, and provide 10 hours of career readiness in the field of project management.
Tableau Data Analytics: This co-branded professional Tableau and Franklin University microcredential demonstrates the relevancy of capabilities for careers in the competitive and growing field of data analytics. Completion of the credential equips students with critical analytic competences along with 10 hours of career navigation content.
Facebook Digital Marketing: Participants develop the skills necessary to develop comprehensive digital marketing plans and analyze performance using Google Analytics and launch advertising campaigns using Facebook Ads and other tools. The co-branded microcredential earned is aligned with the Facebook Blueprint Certified Digital Marketing Associate and Google Analytics Individual Qualification.
Salesforce Administration: Salesforce is the most widely used CRM platform in the world and the CRM administrator plays an integral role in business growth and development. The curriculum uses hands-on assignments to familiarize participants with campaign ROI, tasks, activities, accounts and contacts, and opportunity pipeline reports – along with other key components covered on the Salesforce Administrator credential exam.
Assistant Dean, Dr. Joel Gardner Selected as Fulbright Specialist Roster Candidate
Congratulation to Dr. Joel Gardner, assistant dean of Instruction Design, on his selection for the Fulbright Specialist Program Roster. The program, coordinated by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars, provides grant opportunities to Fulbright Specialists.
Dr. Gardner adds to our distinguished list of Franklin Fulbright leaders, sharing this achievement with Dr. Jonathan McCombs and Dr. Kelly Renner, newly appointed Fulbright Specialists, and Dr. Christopher Washington, former Fulbright Specialist, and now serving as a representative.
Fulbright Specialists are consultants with expertise in their academic discipline, who collaborate on projects in diverse settings of higher education in a wide range of eligible disciplines and fields. The program promotes relationships between U.S. scholars and professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas.
We Are Thankful for Our Nursing Alumni
In honor of this year’s National Nurses Week (May 6-May 12), we thank all of our nurses who do so much to make a great impact on the world around them. From Texas to New York, and from our backyard of Columbus, Ohio: Thank you, Franklin nurses for all that you do. These are a few of the Franklin faces from around the world - bravely serving us.
Franklin Faculty Continue to Share Expertise in the Community
University faculty members don’t just make an impact within the Franklin community, they also serve as experts in various capacities throughout central Ohio and the nation. Here are a few Franklin faculty members who were in the spotlight this past month:
Dr. Christopher Washington, provost and executive vice president shares in his most recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article “12 Essential Tips for Communication About Current Events!”
This most recent article adds to Dr. Washington’s growing national reputation for expertise in higher education excellence. As a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, Dr. Washington is one of a group of respected leaders and executives who were selected for the council based on the depth and diversity of experience as leaders in nonprofit organizations.
Distinguished Sales Speaker Series: ‘The Art & Science of Professional Selling’ Presents – THRIVE: Turning Uncertainty To YOUR Competitive Advantage
Competitive, challenging and constantly changing – that is today’s marketplace. To grow and compete you need a new perspective and a new approach to sales, marketing and business growth. In this high-energy, power-packed session, motivational speaker Meredith Elliott Powell shares the innovative strategies you need to redefine disruption, put you in the driver’s seat, and turn uncertainty to your competitive advantage.
Meredith’s presentation is based on research from her newest book, Thrive: Turning Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage, in which she studied nine companies (started in the late 1700s to early 1800s) that are still thriving in business today. Businesses that have survived world wars, economic depression, and yes, even a pandemic. Her research revealed a powerful methodology for what it takes to navigate change at this level, to find opportunity in crisis, and how to inspire your members to move from reacting to change to driving it.
During her presentation, Meredith walks you through the steps you need to strategically move forward, proactively prepare for disruptions, standout from the competition, and dominate your marketplace. You’ll leave this session with a personal strategy that ensures you have what you need to stay razor-focused, highly flexible and ready to turn uncertainty to your competitive advantage.
This keynote has it all – energy, engagement and an innovative, empowering message.
About the series: The yearlong series will feature nationally recognized sales experts with a passion for promoting sales as a career option for high-potential individuals. Topics will cover topics related to professional selling, sales and negotiations training, and resources for those individuals and organizations interested in develop economically, enhancing the professionalism of the sales force, and providing service to the sales profession.
For information and to register to the next events, click here!
Submit Your Franklin Alumni Awards Today!
The Office of Community Relations is proud to introduce a new way to honor our alumni. With more than 50,000 Franklin alumni making a difference around the world, the new Alumni Awards have been established to recognize the many achievements of our alumni, both professionally and personally.
Three awards have been established: The Franklin University Alumni Award for Professional Excellence, the Franklin University Alumni of the Year Award, and the Franklin University Alumni Award for Social Impact.
Open to any Franklin University graduate, nominations are now being accepted for consideration by the Franklin University Alumni Advisory Council. If you know of a deserving alumnus that fits one of these three categories, please submit your nomination here.
*One award will be announced each term on a rotating basis. Winners will be recognized during corresponding commencement ceremonies. The inaugural Franklin University Alumni Award for Social Impact will be announced during the September 2021 Commencement Ceremony.
Try Your First Master's Class for Free!
If you’ve been thinking about earning your master’s degree, here’s some incentive to get you started. As a master’s-level student, you’ll find the same resources and support that you relied on to help you succeed as an undergrad. In addition, you can:
• Get your first master’s-level course free – a $2,680 value*
• Take advantage of our seamless admission process – there’s no application fee or transcript requirements.
Learn more here!
**Applies to first-time master’s-level students at Franklin**
Center Events
The University offers events on a variety of presentation topics through its Center for Career Development, Leadership Center, Global Center for Healthcare Education, and Center for Public Safety & Cybersecurity Education.
Upcoming Events
- May 19: Women in Leadership Panel Register Today!
- May 27: Augmented & Virtual Reality: How it can Elevate Education & Humanity Register Today!
Center for Career Development News: Virtual Career Fairs
The Franklin University Center for Career Development offers virtual career fairs multiple times throughout the year. Our Next Virtual Career Fair will be Wednesday, June 9, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Student and alumni can sign up for this free event at www.franklin.edu/yourcareer
Employers seeking to hire Franklin students and alumni can also sign up to be part of the career fair. Those employers seeking to take part can email careerservices@franklin.edu for more information.
In the weeks leading up to the career fair, the Center for Career Development will be hosting a series of workshops to help prepare our students and alumni for this virtual environment. The workshop information can be found here: www.franklin.edu/yourcareer
Can’t make the workshops? The Center for Career Development has pre-recorded sessions available through the Franklin University YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/FranklinUniversity
You’ll also find videos on many of the subjects needed in your career toolbox, in addition to some great videos featuring employers and alumni.
If you are soon-to-be or are currently seeking employment, don’t forget all the services offered by the Center for Career Development are free to our alumni. Our services start with our platform, MyCareer powered by GradLeaders which can be located at www.franklin.edu/my-career-alumni
Alumni Excusive Podcasts & Events:
Now more than ever, connections are important. Having trouble finding yours? Join us for one of the upcoming alumni podcasts or virtual events hosted exclusively for Franklin University alumni.
Podcasts:
May 15: Dr. Lana K. Uhrig, MBA, RN vice president of Cancer Nursing Services at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University: Leading Care and Copiong During COVID-June 15: Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president, International Institute for Innovative Instruction and Dean, School of Education, Franklin University: Expanding Franklin's Footprint on a Global Scale to Help Fulfill Our Mission
June 15: Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president, International Institute for Innovative Instruction and Dean, School of Education, Franklin University: Expanding Franklin's Footprint on a Global Scale to Help Fulfill Our Mission
July 15: Derek Gresso, Entrepreneur, co-founder of Virventi, founder of the Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) Club, and founder of the Columbus Impact Academy: The Power of Networking
Alumni Exclusive Events:
Grow Your Life With a Growth Mindset!
A growth mindset is a key to achievement in life! Join the Office of Community Relations at noon (EDT) on June 15, as we feature Dr. John Stinnett discussing the topic Grow Your Life with a Growth Mindset. Dr. John Stinnett will take us through research and application done by Carol Dweck and her colleagues. After studying the behavior of thousands of children, Dr. Dweck coined the terms fixed mindset and growth mindset to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. When people believe they can get smarter, they understand that effort makes them stronger. Therefore, they put in extra time and effort, and that leads to higher achievement.
Did You Know
Did you know that Franklin once had sports teams? Basketball, cheerleading, softball and baseball were all sports that once had a home at Franklin. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Franklin was known by two mascot names, the NightHawlks and the Raiders. The NightHawks, of course, was a reference to the fact that most of Franklin students took classes during the evenings.
Alumni in the News!
Franklin University alumni have accomplished many great deeds. As we share today’s announcements we know there are many more of you out there achieving you own newsworthy activities. Help us share the news by sharing your news to aaron.cassady@franklin.edu. Submissions will be reviewed by the alumni team – we will do our best to list everyone’s news.
Share the News!
Do you know of other alumni who are not connected with us? Have the email us at alumni@franklin.edu to be added to our email list and to update all of their information! Have them copy you on the email and we will send you some Franklin alumni swag!
The Office of Community Relations is happy to share the 2021 edition of our alumni magazine - Clocktower. If you didn't receive a copy please let us know or you can check it out here!
Your Donation Matters - THANK YOU!
Team Behind the Newsletter
.png)