Dana S. Cummings, CFRE, Franklin College vice president for institutional advancement, has been elected to the board of directors for the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network of Indiana (WNI).

ACE Women’s Network of Indiana is a community, inclusive of all women, that inspires, develops and supports women leaders to transform higher education. It is a part of a larger network, the ACE Women’s Network, a national system of networks within each state. The goal for each is to identify, develop, encourage, advance, link and support women in higher education careers within that state.

Cummings will serve a three-year term as the communications liaison to the Conference and Planning Committee.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to join the Board of Directors for the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana,” Cummings said. “As a current doctoral student studying education, my dissertation is focused on the experiences of women working in higher education in Indiana. The mission and values of ACE WNI are aligned directly with my research, as well as my personal passion for supporting women in their professional journeys. I’m honored and humbled by the invitation and can’t wait to get started.”

With more than 16 years of development experience in higher education, Cummings has served as a vice president and member of the President’s Cabinet at Franklin College since 2018. She came to Franklin from DePauw University where she served as the associate vice president for development. She has previously worked for a variety of Indiana University divisions in frontline development roles, including the schools of optometry and education, and for the Indiana University Foundation.

“We are excited about this opportunity for Vice President Cummings, both as a contribution to higher education and to the advancement of women in leadership roles,” said Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather.

Cummings earned a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University, a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University and holds her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. As an advocate of life-long learning, she has returned to the classroom to pursue a Doctor of Education degree (EdD) through Creighton University. She anticipates completing the degree in May 2024.

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

POSTED Nov 8, 2023