About President Franklin
Angela L. Walker Franklin, a native of McCormick, South Carolina, is a Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Furman University. A licensed clinical psychologist, she completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Emory University, followed by a year-long clinical internship at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Franklin, who became Des Moines University’s 15th president in the spring of 2011, has worked in higher education for more than 25 years. Previously, she was executive vice president and provost at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she oversaw academic and administrative departments. She held a professorship in Meharry’s department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.
Beaming with pride
On a brilliantly sunny, first autumn day, Des Moines University’s new campus steering committee watched a white beam be “flown” to its permanent home in the uppermost southwest corner of the Innovation Building, under construction on an 88-acre site in …
Not even a pandemic can deter DMU’s 2021 graduates
After the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on their final year as DMU students, members of the Class of 2021 had plenty to celebrate during Commencement activities May 26-28. While those events had to occur completely online last year, this year …
Not even a pandemic can deter DMU’s 2021 graduates Read More
A Purpose-Driven Decade
On March 1, 2021, Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., marked her 10-year anniversary as DMU’s 15th president and CEO. The decade brought some difficult decisions and needed changes, an unexpected pandemic, a successful fundraising campaign and the biggest development in …
Commencement 2021: The hybrid edition
Planning a Commencement ceremony for hundreds of medical students and guests is no small feat in a good year. Doing so amid a pandemic, however, is nothing short of Herculean. “I have 450-some email messages relating to this year’s Commencement,” …
Des Moines University honors those who give the ultimate gift
The study of the human body is essential in the study of medicine. On May 21, 2021, Des Moines University honored 36 individuals, 9 of them honored veterans, who generously donated their bodies to DMU’s Body Donor Program to further …
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“Lead bold and thrilling lives to the fullest,” President Franklin advises Furman graduates
As an elementary school student, Angela L. Walker Franklin attended summer band camps held on the campus of Furman University. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, magna cum laude, at Furman and, as a graduate, served …
COM grad’s legacy will help shape DMU’s future
The DMU community was saddened by the death of Nicholas Conway, D.O.’61, in late April, but his legacy will endure through his many years of patient care, the family and friends he treasured and the lasting impact his generous support …
Donors make One Day for DMU a great success
A record number of donors, 295, participated in Des Moines University’s One Day for DMU fundraising event, contributing a total of $178,104 from noon to noon April 28-29. Those who participated supported 23 different funds, including the DMU Fund, which …
DMU announces capital campaign extension to new $50 million goal
Des Moines University, a graduate medical and health sciences university, today announced it is extending its capital campaign from the original goal of $25 million to $50 million, making it the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history. The campaign, …
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An extra layer of protection
This fall, in a letter to all students, DMU President Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., welcomed new students and those returning (either on campus, or in a clinical setting). She stated, “Beginning this new academic year has been uniquely challenging …
Glanton 2020: an Event for Change
At DMU’s 17th annual Glanton fundraising event on Oct. 8, President and CEO Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., said it looked “different” from previous years, and not just because it was held virtually. “This year, we possess an even greater sense …
Advancing a vision and moving a lot of dirt
The sweet smell of hay wafted on the breeze and birdsong filled the air on a recent partly cloudy morning in West Des Moines. On an 88-acre site that was mostly spent cornfields, a pheasant was startled into flight by …
DMU stands in solidarity with White Coats for Black Lives
More than 250 Des Moines University students, faculty and staff – wearing masks and practicing physical distancing – gathered on campus on Friday to demonstrate solidarity in accepting the shared responsibility of protecting people of all backgrounds by addressing racism …
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DMU is nation’s first medical school to require mental health course
In 2018, Des Moines University became the nation’s first medical school to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), the nation’s leading advocacy group for mental illness, to offer its provider education program to third-year osteopathic medical students. All medical schools train …
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DMU donors top $25 million Purple & Proud Campaign goal
On Dec. 8, 2018, DMU launched the public phase of “Purple & Proud – the Campaign for Des Moines University,” a $25 million fundraising effort and the largest such endeavor in the University’s history. It is set to conclude in …
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DMU: driven by hunger
Even though America is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, millions of adults and children face hunger and food insecurity every day. According to USDA’s Household Food Insecurity in the United States in 2018 report, more than 37 …
DMU selected physical therapy and sports performance partner for MidAmerican Energy RecPlex
The City of West Des Moines and Des Moines University (DMU) announced a partnership today that makes DMU Clinic Physical Therapy the exclusive provider of physical therapy and athletic training services for the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex currently under construction …
DMU, community celebrate the power of education at Glanton Dinner
Nearly 400 central Iowa community members came together Oct. 16 to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion at Des Moines University’s 16th annual Glanton Dinner. The event generates financial support for the University’s Glanton Fund, which was established in …
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Imagining a university for the future
Des Moines University is seizing a rare opportunity: creating a brand new medical and health sciences campus on a blank slate of central Iowa farmland. FROM PARKING PROPOSAL TO BOLD ADVENTURE What began in December 2018 as a modest proposal …
Kudos for DMU Day at the Iowa State Fair
Rain fell on the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 11, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of fair-goers for DMU Day at the event. They enjoyed the 94 osteopathic manual medicine and physical therapy demonstrations performed by 49 student …
DMU President Franklin among leaders featured in new book
Early in her 20-plus-year career in higher education, Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., developed a reputation as “the VOR – the voice of reason” – who was the go-to person for getting things done. The more her career evolved, though, …
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DMU supports HF 532
Each year Des Moines University establishes a legislative agenda. These are the issues we are committed to focusing on for the upcoming legislative session, developed with input from the DMU Executive Leadership Team. This year one of our priorities identified …
DMU announces $25 million capital campaign
Des Moines University, a graduate medical and health sciences university, on Dec. 8 announced it has begun the public phase of the largest capital campaign in the institution’s history with a goal to raise $25 million or more. To date, …
DMU, community celebrate Glanton Fund’s 15th anniversary
Fifteen years ago, a small group of community members met to discuss how they could open opportunities and foster diversity at Des Moines University. They established a fund at DMU that would generate scholarships for minority students under-represented in health …
DMU, community celebrate Glanton Fund’s 15th anniversary Read More
Seven years’ strong
In March, Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., marked her seventh year as DMU’s 15th president and has only stepped up the cadence. Here, she reflects on her tenure and continuing priorities for the University. Raised in McCormick, SC, inthe segregated …
We have to start somewhere on addressing mental illness. DMU did.
We have to start somewhere on addressing mental illness. DMU did. The dire lack of access to mental health care represents a moral, medical and financial catastrophe worldwide. To tackle this enormous crisis, DMU decided to start somewhere: It is …
We have to start somewhere on addressing mental illness. DMU did. Read More
DMU announces 2018 Glanton honorees, presenting sponsor
When Des Moines University hosts its 15th annual Glanton Dinner on Oct. 25, it also will honor two individuals whose generosity and service are widely evident in Iowa and far beyond: John and Mary Pappajohn. Presented this year by Mercy …
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DMU, NAMI partner to educate students on mental illness
This spring, DMU became the nation’s first medical school to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s leading advocacy group for mental illness, to offer NAMI’s provider education program to osteopathic medical students. That led to an …
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DMU: proud to partner in improving mental health care
Des Moines University is inspired and grateful to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation to meet a growing need for compassionate, accessible mental health care in the state. Today, that effort advanced …
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Changing of the Guard
I have come to have considerable respect for an organization called the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) which is the premier organization centered on governance in higher education. AGB provides leadership and counsel to member boards, chief executives, and others …
Other Mentions:
Des Moines University President Angela Franklin '81 Leads Historic Transformation - Furman University | Women in AI - IPsoft | Leading in times of challenge - DSM Partnership | Dreaming Big - DSM Magazine | Seeing the Forest and the Trees of a Health Sciences University | The Key Reporter Member Spotlight, Winter 2018-2019 | Guest Opinion: Raising Boys in a #MeToo World | New Campus Interview with Black News Channel
Publications
An Unconventional Journey: An Unlikely Choice
by Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
This is a story of perseverance and awakening.
Angela Walker Franklin's journey evolved from
self-doubt and trepidation into a purpose-driven life that led her to a college presidency in a most unlikely place. The lessons learned along the way have defined her current approach to leadership and should be inspirational to others who are trying to chart their own path. Order your copy today.
Now is The Time; Des Moines is the Place: A History of Des Moines University
by Lee Anderson, PH. D.; Kathy Penningroth
by Lee Anderson, PH. D.; Kathy PenningrothDes Moines University has survived against the odds for more than 100 years and successfully built a legacy of excellence in health sciences education.
Throughout those years, there are stories of virtue, vision and hope, as well as episodes of questioned leadership, meager resources and frayed credibility. DMUs history is intertwined with the history of osteopathic medicine and the development of the health care industry in the United States.
This book covers the years 1898 to 2003, illustrating in each chapter how effective leaders can advance an institution and how committed faculty, loyal students and a generous community can defy the odds against success. Order your copy today.
Speaking Engagements
President Franklin speaks regularly to both the DMU campus and Des Moines communities and organizations on topics ranging from leadership to current health care issues.
January 15, 2021
Panelist: What Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his teachings mean to me. MLK Special Virtual Event. West Des Moines Chamber
January 27, 2021
Panelist: Importance of social-emotional development in the health and development of kids and the role the healthcare system and leaders in our community can play in fostering these skills and supports for children and families. Virtual Town Hall with Sesame Street Communities. Iowa Alliance for Healthy Kids
February 10, 2021
Speaker: Then. Now. When. What’s being done - Healthcare. “Obligation of health sciences universities in training future health professionals.” 1619 Project Leadership Institute Program. Held Virtually.
February 22, 2021
Interview: Discuss Cares Act Funding for future telehealth services at new DMU West Des Moines campus. WHO Radio/iHeart Media. 2141 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
March 12, 2021
Speaker: “DMU’s Bold Vision for the Future.” Des Moines AM Rotary Virtual Meeting. Held via Zoom.
April 8, 2021
Presentation: West Des Moines Campus. Waukee Rotary, Des Moines Golf & Country Club, 1600 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
June 10, 2021
Phone Interview: West Des Moines Campus. Joel Fohrman, Design Develop Construct Journal. Interview for Fall Edition.
June 22, 2021
Expert Panel: WDM EDGE. Virtual Webinar. Education – Industry Trends, Reflections & Future. Presented by Bankers Trust.
July 6, 2021
Panelist: “Women Supporting Women” NEXUS Breakfast Meeting via Zoom.
July 29-30, 2021
Opening Remarks - Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference. Via Zoom
July 2021 Edition
Advert in magazine: DSM Inclusion 2021. “Creating Opportunities Through Diversity” – Challenging Students to examine cultural biases and stereotypes in their education journey.
August 11, 2021
Speaker: Zoom. DSM Partnership: Investor & Member Monthly Briefing “Update on physical construction and educational advancement at DMU”
September 16, 2021
KCCI Coverage of new DMU Campus. “Sneak Peek at DMU’s New West Des Moines Campus.” https://www.kcci.com/article/sneak-peek-at-dmus-new-west-des-moines-campus/37619071 Reporter: Tommie Clark
September 24, 2021
Podcast Interview OneVoice DSM - Major Projects Highlighting Major Projects - New Campus in the Works Across our Region
September 30, 2021
Keynote Speaker. IGIA Women’s Network Conference. Virtual.
September 30, 2021
Roundtable Discussion. “The Politics of Health.” Dr. Franklin - the impact politics have on academic health centers and healthcare in general. Speaker alongside two members of the CDC. AAHC Annual Virtual Meeting. John Auerbach, MBA, Director of Intergovernmental and Strategic Affairs, Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as Jeff Reczek, MPA, Director of the Washington Office, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
October 19, 2021
Speaker: Inaugural “Construction Inclusion Week.” In 2020, a group of general contractors – Gilbane, DPR, Turner Construction, Mortenson, McCarthy, and Clark Construction created a consortium titles “Time for Change”, with a single purpose - identifying ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in construction. Dr. Franklin spoke on the topic of unconscious bias.
October 27, 2021
Ribbon Cutter. Des Moines University Clinic Physical Therapy at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. DMU PT is the exclusive provider of physical therapy and athletic training services for the facility.
November 3, 2021
Speaker: Iowa Primary Care Association Annual Conference. Session Name: “Cultural Humility and Biases in Health Care: Considerations for healthcare professionals working with diverse patient population.”
November 10, 2021
Panelist: CEO DEI Panel Discussion at Inclusion Summit. Greater DSM Partnership. DMACC Ankeny campus.
November 18, 2021
Panelist: Lifting the Veil: Caring for Those Who Care for our Kids. ZOOM. DSM virtual event series Lifting the Veil: Transformed.