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THIEL COLLEGE NAMES FRANKEN VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Feb. 24, 2010

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GREENVILLE, PA – Thiel College announced today that Dr. Lynn Franken has been appointed vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, a position she will assume effective July 1.

 “Dr. Franken is a person of integrity and creativity with a passion for the liberal arts tradition and the student-centered ethos of Thiel College,” said Dr. Troy D. VanAken, Thiel College president. “She brings a unique set of abilities and experiences that will enable her to make a significant impact on Thiel’s future growth.”

Franken has decades of experience in higher education, including responsibilities in both teaching and administration. She currently is a senior fellow with the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Previously, she was vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Beloit College in Wisconsin from 2005 to 2009 and dean of the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina from 2000 to 2005. Franken began her career in higher education at Butler University in Indiana, culminating there in 2000 as chair of the Department of English.

Franken holds a doctorate in English literature from the University of Texas at Austin and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in English from Texas Tech University.

As VPAA and dean of the college, Franken will be responsible for the coordination, development, integrity and quality of all academic programs; the administration of academic and faculty policies and budget; the management and administration of key academic support services including the library; and implementation of the academic aspects of the strategic plan. Franken also will coordinate with the College Advancement Office to secure external funding and grants for the college.

“It is an honor to have been selected as Thiel College’s new vice president for academic affairs/dean of the college,” said Franken. “I am looking forward to working with President VanAken and all who serve the college as we move toward the bright future that lies ahead for Thiel.”

Originally from Austin, Texas, Franken currently lives in Beloit, Wisconsin. She has three adult sons, Robert, Charles and Erik. 

About Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution located in Greenville, Pa., that provides a great balance of academic challenge, personal and social involvement, and exceptional value to its 1,000 students. For more information about Thiel College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

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