Franklin University Celebrates its Seventh Fulbright Member, Dr. Patrick Bennett

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president of Academic Quality and Planning and dean of the School of Education, as a member of the Fulbright Specialist Roster as of June 2023 through 2026.

As a pioneer in meeting the broadest community of learners to achieve their goals and enrich the world, Franklin is honored to align itself with Fulbright’s mission to extend education, advocacy and service, adding its seventh Franklin scholarly member to the list of distinguished Fulbright leaders. Newly appointed Dr. Bennett shares this achievement with current and former members, Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Yi Yang, and Fulbright Specialist, Dr. Joel Gardner, Dr. Kelly Renner, Dr. Jonathan McCombs, Dr. Christopher Washington and former associate provost Dr. Karen Minor Romanoff.

For over 75 years, Fulbrighters have inspired individuals, communities, and world with their creativity and thought-provoking work, while strengthening cross-cultural ties. The Fulbright program, coordinated by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), provides grant opportunities to Fulbright Specialists.

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. The Specialist program awards grants for short-term collaborative projects at institutions in over 150 countries. Specialists may be requested to provide academic services, such as short-term lecturing, conducting seminars, teacher training, assessments and evaluations, special conferences or workshops, as well as collaborating on faculty development and curriculum or institutional planning.

In addition to his new role as a Fulbright Specialist , Dr. Bennett serves as vice president of Academic Quality and Planning and dean of the School of Education, leading a diverse faculty and staff dedicated to improving teaching and learning. He leads the development and implementation of high-quality learning solutions for Franklin University and external partners, including universities (domestic and international), Fortune 100 corporations, and governmental entities. As dean, Dr. Bennett leads the School of Education, a global leader in preparing educators who welcome all learners, expect high outcomes, and inspire greatness from all students.

Dr. Bennett provides executive leadership and management for mission-critical projects to Franklin University’s strategic objectives and worldwide partnerships, including overseeing a $3M Title III grant. In addition, Dr. Bennett serves as lead faculty for the Higher Education Leadership focus for the Franklin University Doctor of Education program. He is an accomplished author and international speaker on education leadership, transnational education, and technology-enhanced education. Dr. Bennett is also a United States Department of State U.S. Speaker Program member.  

Dr. Bennett holds a B.S. in Information Technology, an MBA with a concentration in Financial Leadership (from Franklin University), and a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Quality Matters peer reviewer for K-12 and Higher Education.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).