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K-State Today

January 24, 2018

Franklin assists with diversity leadership transitions

Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing

President Richard Myers has appointed Bernard Franklin, assistant vice president for student life, as special assistant to the president. In this role, Franklin will assist with the transition of Bryan Samuel, the new university chief diversity and inclusion officer, who will start in March. Franklin will also provide support to the new associate vice president for diversity and program and student services, Adrian Rodriguez who started in December 2017.  Franklin also is providing support and assistance for planning and implementation of strategic initiatives in the Greater Kansas City area.

Franklin will continue to serve in his current role in the Division of Student Life, a position he's had since 2011. As assistant vice president, he has developed university relationships among Greater Kansas City students, businesses and civic community.

In addition, Franklin serves as executive director of the Kansas State College Advising Corps, a college access program that advises and coaches underrepresented high school seniors, and director of university programs for the Shawnee Mission School District. He also is the president of the Center for Imagineering Leadership.

A K-State alumnus, Franklin was Kansas State University's first African-American student body president and served on many student leadership groups, including the Union Governing Board and Kansas State Collegian staff.

After graduation with his bachelor's degree in political science, he was appointed as the youngest member of the Kansas Board of Regents. He also has a master's degree in counseling and behavioral studies from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in counseling and student personnel services from Kansas State University. 

His additional leadership positions include president of the Junior Achievement of Middle America from 2012-2014, president of MCC Penn Valley Community College from 2006-2010, executive director of Kauffman Scholars for the Kauffman Foundation from 2003-2006, vice president and urban director for the National Center for Fathering from 1996-1999, assistant dean of student life for Kansas State University from 1990-1996, director of student activities at Rollins College from 1989-1990, and the director of student activities for the University of South Alabama from 1983-1988.