President Angela L. Walker 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 the 15th president of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences 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.
“Our people bring passion and delight to their work in providing important impacts in health sciences education, research and public service.”
Welcome to Des Moines University - Where Vision Stands on a Vigorous History
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University has a rich history of educating health leaders and a bold vision for innovation - in instructional strategies, learning spaces, laboratories and technology. That is reflected across our state-of-the-art campus, in our clinical services, and in the many ways we contribute to the community.
DMU's three colleges offer 10 graduate medical and health sciences degrees, so our faculty, students and staff share a singular mission - to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
Every day, our people bring passion and delight to their work in health sciences education, research and public service. Our faculty are experts in their areas who prioritize student learning and success. Our students are intelligent, compassionate and highly motivated to make a positive difference in the world. They are fully engaged in the university's commitment to service and frequently volunteer in the community.
The DMU community values and nurtures the diversity of our society. Aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in our vision, curricula, events and operations. We recognize that we become better citizens of this world, and better health care providers, when we learn from and respect our differences.
Our graduates practice in all 50 states, and many embrace opportunities to provide care around the world. We work to address health care shortages and inequities by emphasizing training in primary care and encouraging graduates to practice in rural and underserved areas. In fact, the university has been recognized as one of the nation's top producers of primary care physicians.
We also serve the community and work to enhance holistic health and well-being through our multispecialty DMU Clinic at 3200 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. We provide services in family medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, physical therapy, osteopathic manual medicine, behavioral health and international travel preparation in thousands of patient visits annually. In addition, our clinicians offer physical therapy and athletic performance services at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines.
We don't rest on our laurels at DMU. In 2023, we moved to a brand-new campus that we built from the ground up in West Des Moines. With its cutting-edge technology, variety of flexible learning spaces, collaborative laboratories and collaborate environment, we have built the medical and health sciences university of the future.
I could not be more proud of the passion, commitment and energy that members of the DMU community demonstrate every day. We strive to live our values of honesty, accountability, collaboration and inclusiveness. Every day, we fulfill our mission of preparing the next generation of exceptional health professionals. We are proud to serve the people of Iowa and the students who join us from around the nation.
Sincerely,
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and CEO
The President's Staff
One Day for DMU Ignites Support for Future Medical Leaders
The annual One Day for DMU 24-hour giving campaign raised over $272,000 thanks to alumni, faculty and staff.
DMU Podiatric Students Achieve 100% Residency Placement for 23rd Consecutive Year
The DMU CPMS Class of 2025 achieved 100% residency placement, marking the program’s 23rd consecutive year.
Des Moines University President Publishes New Book on Leadership
DMU President and CEO, Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., has published a new book offering a candid, behind-the-scenes look at her leadership journey.
Des Moines University Simulation Center Earns SSH Accreditation, Solidifying Leadership in Health Care Education
Through its commitment to advancing health care education through high-quality simulation practices, DMU’s Simulation Center has achieved full accreditation from SSH.
DMU Expands Partnership With Drake Offering More Access to Medical Education in Iowa
DMU and Drake University have expanded their existing partnership to offer more opportunities for medical and health sciences education across the Des Moines metro.
DMU’s Top 2024 News Stories: Making Lasting Impacts at DMU and Beyond
Take a look back at the amazing year DMU had full of celebrations and achievements.
DMU and Voorhees University Forge Partnership to Enhance Diversity in Medical Education
DMU and Voorhees University have formed a partnership to enhance diversity in medical education.
DMU Glanton Event Unites Leaders to Honor Diversity and Inclusivity
DMU’s 21st annual Glanton Event, presented by Holmes Murphy, brought community leaders together to celebrate diversity and inclusivity and raised an astonishing $320,637.
DMU’s Glanton Event Brings Leaders Together for Positive Change in Health Care
DMU’s annual Glanton Event, presented by Holmes Murphy, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Des Moines University, Simpson Partner to Draw Students to Health Care Careers
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Simpson College have developed a partnership to enhance graduate health care opportunities for Simpson students.
Des Moines University Campus Receives Multiple Prestigious Design Awards
The new Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences campus has been honored with multiple design awards, recognizing its innovative and sustainable approach to health care education.
DMU Appoints Three New Members to Governing Board
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has appointed Diane Bridgewater, Omar Lateef, D.O.’99, and Amber Lenhardt to its Board of Trustees.
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.
February 25, 2025
Guest Speaker | The DMU Story | West Des Moines Rotary |
Des Moines Golf and Country Club | West Des Moines, Iowa
March 1, 2025
Award for Community Work | Hip-Hop Hope | 2025 Many Shades of Colour Young Women’s Conference | Des Moines, Iowa
Other Mentions and Media
- Thought Leadership Series — President2President 2024-25, Chapter 3: The Essential Ingredients for Transformative Leadership
- Guest Piece: A Case Study in Integral Leadership — Trusteeship Magazine
- 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
Leadership From the Ground Up
by Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
In this captivating fusion of leadership wisdom and poignant memoir, Dr. Angela L. Walker Franklin charts her journey of transforming an organization with innovation and growth at its core. Leadership From the Ground Up is a candid exploration into the heart of leadership through the achievements of an unconventional leader. Every chapter encapsulates the essence of one woman’s visionary leadership — marked by daring dreams and the courage to turn these dreams into admirable reality. Dr. Franklin’s narrative is not just about bold strategic decisions and leadership transitions. It’s also about fostering a culture that embraces engagement and confronts challenges head-on. She details the nuanced dynamics of building trust, the difficulties that often come with these dynamics, the synergies of an effective executive leadership team and board of directors, and the pivotal roles of accountability, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness and wellness. It is an essential read for anyone aspiring to lead with impact, integrity and inclusivity in today’s complex world.
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.
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.