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Provost William T. Franz |
Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren has appointed Dr. William T. Franz to serve as provost and vice president of academic affairs at R-MC. A professor of physics, Franz has extensive experience in administration, including previously serving as interim dean from 2006 to 2007 and as interim provost from 2009 to 2010. He also served as associate dean of the college from 1990 to 1999.
"I have had the opportunity to work closely with Bill Franz during my time at Randolph-Macon," said Lindgren. "I am impressed with his integrity, fairness and openness to others and their ideas and by his creativity and leadership. He is motivated by his passion for this great place and in turn, is highly respected by his colleagues. Bill’s service speaks for itself and I am confident that the college’s highest interests will be served by appointing him now to this important position."
While serving as the interim provost since August 2009, Franz led Randolph-Macon through several significant milestones, including completion of the successful reaffirmation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the continued implementation of R-MC’s 2009-2017 Strategic Plan. Franz will continue his work on a team with Deans David Lesesne and Grant Azdell on retention-related issues and with Associate Dean Lauren Bell on streamlining academic procedures for students.
Franz joined the faculty at R-MC in 1983. He was twice awarded the student-voted Thomas Branch Award for Excellence in Teaching, in 1985 and 1988, and was also the recipient of the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Faculty award. A critical member of the physics department, Franz helped to create and introduce the college’s environmental studies program and has taught a wide spectrum of courses throughout his career. He is also a requested media expert on explaining the United States Federal Budget. Franz co-authors an annual Federal Budget Crunchers list, along with R-MC Physics Professor George Spagna, which is designed to help the general public put the size of the anticipated federal spending plan in perspective.
"It has been my honor and my privilege to work with the talented, gifted, and dedicated cadre of teacher-scholars that comprise the Randolph-Macon faculty for many years,” said Franz. “Because of them and everyone else in our community, this college changes lives. It will be a tremendous opportunity to work in this capacity with both faculty and staff as we continue that noble tradition of preparing our students for a lifetime of success and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead."
Franz earned a B.S. in physics and mathematics from Muhlenberg College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Delaware. His research interests include instrumentation, alternate energy sources, the physics of education and the physics of sports.
For more information, please contact Pam Harris Cox at 752-3712, pamelacox@rmc.edu or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 804-752-7317, alauranz@rmc.edu.