|
Franco taking advantage of 'great
opportunity' in move to Nebraska
By Julie Garcia
April 12, 2006 | Almost every student knows and remembers
Juan Franco from his or her early days at USU. He's
the man whose main goal is to welcome and serve the
students. That is why many are sad to see Franco leaving
his position as vice president of student services at
Utah State University.
Franco wasn't looking to leave the university. When
the chance came to serve as vice chancellor for student
affairs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, friends
convinced him to look further into the opportunity,
Franco said.
"It turned out to be such a great opportunity that
I just couldn't turn it down," he said.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an AAU school.
An AAU school is a group of the top 60 higher-education
schools in the country leading in academics, research,
library size and other related things.
Franco will have similar duties at UNL, but he will
be overseeing more programs. His career will still be
student-service oriented.
Dr. Franco has accomplished many things at USU by
working together with the students and staff. This includes
the remodeling of the student center, particularly the
Juniper Lounge.
He's also assisted in working with the academic site
and service-learning center to develop an academic program
that is housed within the services unit in the TSC.
"I think one of the things I'm most proud of is that
we've been able to work across divisions for the betterment
of the university and on behalf of the students," Franco
said.
His philosophy focuses on helping students, he said.
Anytime there is anything done in higher education,
faculty and staff need to be asking themselves if it
will benefit the students in some way, he said.
Franco said if that if something assists the students,
then it probably will make the school more successful.
"My philosophy is really grounded on my passion for
working with young people," Franco said.
If you enter Dr. Franco's office, you'll probably
notice all of the pictures of student he said he's "adopted"
over his years at Utah State.
You also might notice the bowl of candy that he has
for all of the students who visit him. Franco said he's
enjoyed his time at USU. "I'm going to miss the students
the most," Franco said.
MS
MS |
