Greetings, Franklin College alumni and friends!
As the new academic year gets underway, our campus is once again alive with the sights and sounds of student activity. In this challenging environment for small private colleges, I’m proud to say Franklin is thriving. Our foundation in the liberal arts, coupled with our commitment to engaged learning experiences, digital fluency and innovative disciplines, continue to capture the attention and imagination of students and their parents.
This fall, we welcomed one of the largest classes of new students in recent history, marking the third consecutive year of entering classes exceeding our recruitment goal. Here are some interesting details about the Class of 2029:
• Business, exercise science, biology, elementary education and psychology are the top five choices of major. Art is the fastest growing major this year, and many students are showing interest in the College’s new pre-nursing program. Our new video game development major in the computer science department is attracting students, and we will introduce a cybersecurity major next year.
• Outside the classroom, students are interested in athletics, Greek life, study abroad and a wide array of student clubs and organizations.
• This is also among the most academically accomplished classes, with the highest overall GPA in recent history and more than one-quarter of the students finishing with a GPA above 4.0.
• The new Grizzlies are a geographically diverse class, representing 10 states and 15 countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Myanmar, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Rwanda, Serbia, South Africa and Spain.
• More than a dozen students are Franklin College legacies whose relatives are currently attending or have graduated from the institution.
Our students have wasted no time diving into the many opportunities that make Franklin such an extraordinary place. From Welcome Week activities and traditions through the first day of classes, these Grizzlies are already engaging opportunities that will challenge and inspire them. Their passion and enthusiasm remind us that the Franklin experience is about more than academics it’s about growth, connection and the joy of being part of a very special community.
I invite you to take a moment to view the video recap below highlighting this exciting journey for the Class of 2029.
Kerry N. Prather President
The Class of 2029 kicked off their Franklin College journey with an unforgettable Welcome Week packed with activities, laughter and new friendships.
Check out all the excitement here!
