Franklin University Appoints Dr. Jonathan McCombs as Vice President of Academic Affairs

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio Executive Director, Office of Community Relations (614) 947-6581 Email: [email protected]

Franklin University announced today the appointment of Dr. Jonathan McCombs as Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective Oct. 20, 2025. Dr. McCombs will succeed Dr. Christopher Washington, who will conclude his 26-year career with the University on Oct.17.

As the senior academic officer, Dr. McCombs will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all academic programs and related operations. He will oversee the University's three colleges, the International Institute for Innovative Instruction, Doctoral Studies, Schools of Education and Nursing, and several key academic support centers, including the Learning Commons and the Center for Teaching Excellence.

Dr. McCombs brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education and has successfully led the College of Health and Public Administration at Franklin University for the last eight years with executive oversight of more than 30 academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. His expertise in curriculum innovation, student success initiatives, partnership development, and engagement in workforce development positions him well for this critical role. Additionally, Dr. McCombs' interests in educational technologies will align well with the University's mission.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, he will serve on the President's Council and act as a key member of the University's executive leadership team, ensuring alignment of academic initiatives with the University's mission and strategic priorities.

"Dr. McCombs' extensive academic and administrative experience, coupled with his commitment to student success and innovation, make him an ideal leader for this role," said Dr. David Decker, President of Franklin University. "We welcome him to this new position and look forward to the continued advancement of our academic enterprise."

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).

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