Franklin named SWCC vice president of instruction

Dr. John Franklin of Creston was named as Southwestern Community College's (SWCC's) vice president of instruction during the regular April board of trustees meeting held this evening at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room.

The approval of Franklin's 2024-25 contract by the board came following the recommendation of the vice president of instruction selection committee, comprised of a team of SWCC faculty and staff members. Franklin had been serving as the interim vice president of instruction at SWCC since May 2023, when Lindsay Stoaks, former vice president of instruction, was named as interim president for the college. In November 2023, Stoaks was offered a contract becoming the sixth president of the college.

Prior to being appointed to the interim vice president role, Franklin had served as the college's assistant vice president of instruction since July 2020. In this role, Franklin played an active role in assisting the vice president of instruction in the administration and day-to-day operation of the instructional division of the college.

Franklin earned his Ph.D. in history from Texas Christian University; a Master of Arts degree in history from Midwestern State University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Midwestern State University.

Prior to coming to SWCC, Franklin had worked at Graceland University since 2001, serving as a professor of history from 2010-20; director of the Accelerated College Education program from 2006-10; and adjunct assistant professor from 2001-05. In addition to his work at Graceland University, Franklin served as an adjunct instructor at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, and a graduate instructor and teaching assistant at Texas Christian University.

Franklin serves on the Iowa Transfer Major Steering Committee, Iowa College and Career Transition Counselor Steering Committee, and Iowa Work-Based Learning Advisory Board. During the 2023-24 academic year, Franklin has been completing the Iowa Community College Leadership Institute through Iowa State University.