About President Franklin

Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., 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 35 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.

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President Angela L. Walker Franklin

Prior to her role at Meharry, Dr. Franklin held several positions at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, including vice dean, associate vice president for academic and student affairs, associate dean for student affairs, director of counseling services and assistant professor of psychiatry.

A former American Council on Education Fellow (2001-02), Dr. Franklin is a 2004 protégé of the Millennium Leadership Institute sponsored by the Association of State Colleges and Universities in preparing the next generation of leaders in higher education. She also participated in the 2008 Prospective President’s Workshop of the United Methodist Church Affiliated Schools.

Since becoming the 15th president of Des Moines University, Dr. Franklin has published the university history entitled, Now is the Time, Des Moines is the Place, which chronicles a 100+ year history of training health care professionals. She has established institutional goals and priorities and, in December 2018, launched Purple and Proud, a $25 million dollar fundraising campaign. That goal was surpassed a year later. The campaign continues with fundraising efforts focused on the transformative vision for building an entirely new campus on 88 acres of land purchased in West Des Moines. Dr. Franklin is leading the effort to plan and design the new campus, which is anticipated to open in summer 2023 coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the founding of the university.

Dr. Franklin is actively involved in the Des Moines community, serving on the boards of UnityPoint Health, Bankers Trust, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Harkin National Advisory Council. She is chair of the Assembly of Presidents of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) and was recently asked to serve on the AACOM Adaptive Work Group Addressing Racism in Healthcare and the George Washington Carver Statuary Hall Project. A former board member of the nationally recognized Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC), she was asked to again serve on the board when the AAHC merged with the Association of American Medical Colleges. She is a past board member of the United Way of Central Iowa and the Science Center of Iowa. In addition, Dr. Franklin is past chair of the Greater Des Moines Partnership Workforce Development/Education Board, the United Way Health Cabinet, the American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” movement, the 2015 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes and the Greater Des Moines Partnership Community Health Needs Assessment/Mental Health Workgroup.

In 2022, President Franklin was honored by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine with the Dale S. Dodson Award in recognition of her significant contributions to the advancement and support of osteopathic medical education. She also was inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame, which honors the achievements of Iowans who have made outstanding contributions to the development and enhancement of the state’s business climate. Other awards she has received include the 2017 American Psychological Association Training Advisory Committee Special Award, 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award from the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the 2015 Mary McLeod Bethune Award (Educator of the Year) from the Iowa Juneteenth Observance Committee, the 2014 Women of Influence Award from the Des Moines Business Record, the 2014 Inspire Award from Dress for Success and the 2013 African American History Maker Award from the African American Museum of Iowa.

Dr. Franklin is an inspirational leader and author of her 2014 published memoir, An Unconventional Journey… An Unlikely Choice, which chronicles her journey to the college presidency and lessons learned in leadership. Dr. Franklin has been featured in several local and national publications and speaks locally and around the country on the topics of women leaders, transformative leadership and building a culturally competent and diverse workforce.

Recent posts

DMU President and CEO to Speak at Tina Talks Event

Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of Des Moines University, will be among the six speakers at the second annual Tina Talks hosted by the West Des Moines, Iowa, Chamber of Commerce. The event will occur on June …

DMU President and CEO to Speak at Tina Talks Event Read More

“Change in health care begins with you and me”: Glanton 2022

A man arrived by ambulance at a Chicago emergency room, labeled as a suspected drug overdose case. He’d actually suffered a stroke resulting from sickle cell disease, but the hospital staff believed otherwise simply because he was Black. “I wish …

“Change in health care begins with you and me”: Glanton 2022 Read More

DMU names “Franklin Way” in honor of its president and CEO

Growing up in McCormick, SC, Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., was surrounded by loving parents and grandparents who instilled in her core values of hard work, discipline and the golden rule. From them, she learned that education is the way – …

DMU names “Franklin Way” in honor of its president and CEO Read More

Des Moines University named a “2022 Great College to Work For”

Des Moines University (DMU) is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to The Great Colleges to Work For® program. Even better, the University achieved an additional special designation as an Honor Roll institution. The …

Des Moines University named a “2022 Great College to Work For” Read More

Des Moines University honors those who give the ultimate gift

Denton Hopkins wants you to know about his older brother, Canyon Dane Hopkins. Widely known as “Moose” in his community, Earlham, IA, he had a heart that matched his physical size and athletic ability, from how he befriended less-popular kids …

Des Moines University honors those who give the ultimate gift Read More

Honors for an “extraordinary servant leader”

This spring, DMU President and CEO Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., was honored by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame. Approximately four miles south of Jordan Creek Town Center …

Honors for an “extraordinary servant leader” Read More

AACOM honors DMU President Angela Walker Franklin with Dale S. Dodson Award

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) honored DMU President and CEO Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., with its 2022 Dale S. Dodson, DO, Award, on April 29 during its annual conference in Denver, Educating Leaders, the largest gathering …

AACOM honors DMU President Angela Walker Franklin with Dale S. Dodson Award Read More

Best. (One) Day (for DMU). EVER

When Des Moines University asked its alumni, employees and friends to make gifts in celebration of One Day for DMU, they responded in a big way. During the annual 24-hour event, from noon to noon April 20-21, 293 donors contributed …

Best. (One) Day (for DMU). EVER Read More

You name it: Make your mark on DMU’s new campus

DMU’s new West Des Moines campus is still a work in progress, but Dave Kapaska, D.O.’86, M.B.A., and his wife, Mary Ann, already have made their mark on it by naming the Telehealth Room, to be located in the Innovation …

You name it: Make your mark on DMU’s new campus Read More

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 …

Beaming with pride Read More

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 …

A Purpose-Driven Decade Read More

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,” …

Commencement 2021: The hybrid edition Read More

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 …

Des Moines University honors those who give the ultimate gift Read More

“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 …

“Lead bold and thrilling lives to the fullest,” President Franklin advises Furman graduates Read More

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 …

COM grad’s legacy will help shape DMU’s future Read More

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 …

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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, …

DMU announces capital campaign extension to new $50 million goal Read More

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 …

An extra layer of protection Read More

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 …

Glanton 2020: an Event for Change Read More

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 …

Advancing a vision and moving a lot of dirt Read More

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 …

DMU is nation’s first medical school to require mental health course Read More

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 …

DMU donors top $25 million Purple & Proud Campaign goal Read More

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: driven by hunger Read More

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 selected physical therapy and sports performance partner for MidAmerican Energy RecPlex Read More

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 …

DMU, community celebrate the power of education at Glanton Dinner Read More

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 …

Imagining a university for the future Read More

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 …

Kudos for DMU Day at the Iowa State Fair Read More

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, …

DMU President Franklin among leaders featured in new book Read More

Other Mentions:

Des Moines University President Angela Franklin '81 Leads Historic Transformation - Furman University | Women in AI - Amelia |  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

Des 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.

2023
2023

March 16, 2023
Speaker | Des Moines Noon Rotary Presentation | The DMU Story From the Ground Up | Des Moines Embassy Club | Des Moines, Iowa

April 4, 2023
Featured | Purple and Proud Podcast

April 25, 2023
Featured | Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast | How DMU’s President Approached the Nonprofit’s Board About Building a New Campus

April 28, 2023
Guest Speaker | Prairie Club | The DMU Story From the Ground Up | Wakonda Club | Des Moines, Iowa

June 6, 2023
Speaker | Tina Talks | Inspirational Words of Wisdom Regarding Women Leadership for the Community | The Monroe | West Des Moines, Iowa

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