MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Sherry Mercurio, Ed.D. ’22 and M.S. ’05
Executive Director 
sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu
Aaron Cassady, MBA ’24 and B.S. ’14
Director, Alumni Engagement and Development  
aaron.cassady@franklin.edu
Nancy Smith
Community Relations Coordinator, Alumni Relations 
nancy.smith2@franklin.edu
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office of Community Relations
201 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, OH 43215 
614.947.6062 
alumni@franklin.edu
CLOCKTOWER CONTRIBUTORS
Stacy Aichele
Aaron Cassady 
Sherry Mercurio 
Jamie Roberty
Tyne Zalesky
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
David Decker, Ph.D. 
President
Marv Briskey, DBA 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
and Investment Officer
Carl Brown, M.S. ’21 and B.S. ’12
Vice President, Campus Services
Christi Cabungcal
Chief of Staff and Senior Vice 
President, Administration
Bill Chan, MBA ’07
Senior Vice President, 
Strategic Alliances
Jonathan McCombs, Ph.D.
Vice President, 
Academic Affairs
Godfrey Mendes, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Global 
Programs and Strategic Initiatives
Lynne Rouzer, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Student 
Affairs and Enrollment Management
Rick Sunderman
Senior Vice President 
and Chief Information Officer
“One Community. Infinite Journeys.” This theme reflects Franklin University’s spirit and captures our 
commitment to practical, accessible education. Our mission is to expand opportunities, support each 
student’s success, and prepare graduates to contribute to society. As you read through this issue, 
you will see how we empower our students to go far, not just by equipping them with knowledge, 
but by fostering a strong, supportive community that stays with them along the way.
Franklin continues to innovate in response to changing workforce demands and societal needs. 
Our accredited nursing programs meet students where they are — providing flexible, high-quality 
learning experiences that allow working nurses to advance their education without disrupting their lives 
or careers. In the same spirit, the newly named H.K. & Eva James College of Education exemplifies 
our ongoing dedication to preparing educators through accessible pathways, such as online courses 
and our state-approved teacher apprenticeship program. By aligning our academic offerings 
with professional expectations and community needs, we strive to ensure that every graduate 
is both well-prepared and well-supported on their journey to success.
None of this progress would be possible without 
the dedication and collaboration of our faculty, staff, 
partners and — most importantly — our alumni community. 
Your engagement, achievements and commitment 
to lifelong learning are central to our mission. By working 
together, we continue to create accessible pathways 
to success and ensure that the benefits of a Franklin 
education reach even more learners.
As we look ahead, Franklin will continue to evolve 
and innovate — always with student success at the center 
of our purpose. Thank you for contributing to Franklin’s 
ongoing tradition of excellence and for helping to shape 
a brighter future for all.
Best regards,
Dr. David R. Decker  |  President

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