Franklin College has welcomed eight new members to its Digital Fluency Advisory Council. Each will serve on the council for two years and will be limited to two consecutive two-year terms. The council is directed by Andrew Rosner, director of digital fluency at Franklin College.

Franklin College recognizes it is not enough to equip students with the skills they need to be successful in a digital world, they must be offered exposure to relevant opportunities as well. To aid in this endeavor, the college established the Franklin College Digital Fluency Advisory Council to serve as a pipeline for students into jobs that best utilize the training and education they received at Franklin. The council focuses on the following core elements:

• Working with and advising faculty and staff, including the director of digital fluency, on the digital and tech landscape in the Indianapolis region and beyond;
• Regularly participating in mock interviews, in partnership with career services and professional development staff;
• Serving as guest speakers and co-teachers, in collaboration with faculty members who might call on their real-world experience and expertise to complement students’ classroom experiences;
• Hosting Franklin College students as interns in their own companies and organizations and facilitating introductions to others;
• Screening and evaluating student applicants to the digital internship stipend program;
• Helping identify sources of financial support for programs related to digital fluency and tech;
• Organizing and implementing educational opportunities, in collaboration with relevant staff, to introduce students to the Indianapolis tech ecosystem in meaningful ways.

The newly appointed members include:

Aleks Davis is the CEO of B2S Life Sciences, a biotherapeutic enablement company advancing improved analytical methods and outcomes for developers of biotherapeutic drugs and diagnostics.

 Merillat Flowers is the Senior Vice President of Engagement at TechPoint, the growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy.

Darcy Lee most recently served as Vice President of Strategic Growth & Partnerships at Six Feet Up, a consulting company specializing in Python and AI. She was also recently named a 2023 Tech 25 Honoree by TechPoint.

Alison Lightner is an advisor for High Alpha Innovation, a business-to-business software as a service (B2B SaaS) venture studio.

Andy Medley is the co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at PERQ, a marketing automation solution for automating the multifamily renter’s journey. 

Connor Nash is a Global Experience Analytics Manager at Securitas Technology, a provider of integrated security solutions that protect, connect and optimize businesses of all types and sizes. He is a 2016 graduate of the college.

Eric Stanley is the founder and CEO for M2N, a company that promotes equity in workforce development by maximizing access and opportunities for underestimated professionals.

Chris Woolery is the Senior Manager for Analytics and Business intelligence at Republic Airways, a regional airline that operates flights on behalf of American, Delta, and United Airlines. He is a 1988 graduate of the college.

Returning members include:

Linda Calvin, J.D., has over 25 years working in the technology industry. She has experience in digital technology and strategy as well as higher education. She served as the vice president for the School of IT at Ivy Tech Community College
as well global IT digital leader for Stanley Black & Decker and the Dow Chemical Company.  She is currently the Chief Impact Officer at Reboot Representation, a non-profit committed to doubling the number of Black, Latina and Native American women earning computing degrees by 2025. 

Stephanie Cox is the CEO of Lumavate, a product experience management platform that provides marketers with the ability to centralize product data, manage digital assets, and create digital experiences. She is a 2003 graduate of the college.

Jennifer Merrell gained experience as the Vice President of TechPoint where she worked to bridge the gap between the tech industry and academia. She is the current CEO of Uncharted LLC, where she works as a public speaker and continues to connect the dots in preparing our next generation of workforce talent.

Munashe Mugonda is a Senior Data Engineer and Technical Product Owner for Columbus-based Cummins Inc., and a member of the Cummins Digital Organization Employee Engagement Committee. She is a 2018 graduate of the college.

Brandon Platt is the owner and CEO of 4D Digital Media, a company specializing in marketing and social media management for the dental health industry. He is a 2010 graduate of the college.

 Randy Stocklin is a founding partner of Zeal, a Chicago-based holding company. He also was the co-founder and CEO of One Click Ventures. He is a 2000 graduate of the college, and a member of the Franklin College Board of Trustees.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with this powerhouse group of tech industry professionals to advance the digital fluency initiative and bridge the gap between Franklin College students and career prospects that harness the transformative education they receive here,” said Andrew Rosner, the director of digital fluency at Franklin College. “Together, we will empower students with the knowledge and skills vital for navigating the digital landscape, fostering a new generation of Franklin College graduates ready to lead in the world of innovation.”

To learn more about Franklin College’s digital fluency initiative, visit: digitalfluency.franklincollege.edu/.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Oct 24, 2023