Inauguration of Kathy Franken
22nd President of Upper Iowa University
About Kathy Franken
The Board of Trustees at Upper Iowa University has named Kathy Franken ’12 MHEA, as the University’s 22nd president. This marks a milestone in UIU history, as Franken is the first woman president to lead the University.
Franken led Upper Iowa through a process of reimagining UIU’s academic offerings, athletic offerings and geographic locations. She also provided direction on the “Reimagine UIU” strategic plan, restructuring University leadership positions and efforts to reduce operating expenses.
Franken’s tenure at UIU started in the Waterloo Center in 2008, beginning as an academic advisor to adult learners before assuming the Waterloo Center director position. Before serving as interim president, Franken was vice president for Finance and Enrollment Management, overseeing University finances, Business Office Services, Facilities Management, Information Technology, Enrollment Management and Services, and Auxiliary Services.
Franken earned her Bachelor of Arts from Wartburg College, and her Master of Arts in higher education administration from Upper Iowa University. Franken and her husband, Chuck, reside in Fayette and have three children and five grandchildren.
Upper Iowa University Peacock EmpowHERment Fund
Join us in celebrating the historic inauguration of Kathy Franken by making a gift to the Upper Iowa University Peacock EmpowHERment Fund.
A standout basketball player while at Eldora-New Providence High School, Franken enjoyed a Hall of Fame collegiate basketball career at Warburg College. Franken continued to be involved in athletics after college, as the assistant women’s basketball coach of the Knights for thirteen years.
Franken understands the life and leadership skills that are developed and learned by participating in college athletics or any extracurricular experiences students may enjoy at UIU.
For this reason, all gifts received as part of inauguration will support The Peacock EmpowHERment Fund, which aims to enhance educational resources provided to our women’s sports programs. In addition, it will inspire, empower, and support the success and excellence of our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators – past, present, and future, while providing a deeper understanding of challenges in women’s athletics for all athletes, coaches, and administrators.