2023–24 Presidential Award for Outstanding NTE Faculty: Teaching

Lynn Franck, director of the nursing program at the Lake Campus

Lynn Franck, clinical instructor of nursing at Wright State University, received the 2023–24 Presidential Award for Outstanding Non-Tenure Eligible Faculty: Teaching for her education prowess inside and outside the classroom. Her efforts have resulted in the historical first of an entire graduating class passing the licensing exam on their first try.

As the director of the nursing program at Wright State’s Lake Campus, Franck mentors adjunct faculty who assist with nursing courses and full-time nursing faculty. She also plays an active role in developing curriculum and designing courses for the nursing degree.

Franck developed innovative teaching methods that enable her students many opportunities to engage in real-world situations, such as participation in drive-through flu shot clinics.

Linda Helentjaris, instructor of business technologies at the Lake Campus, praised Franck’s methods, saying that her students are more equipped when they enter the workforce.

“This hands-on training is essential for bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-life application in the nursing field,” Helentjaris said.

Recently, Franck helped the nursing program acquire a 3D anatomy table that can emulate anatomy teachings that would have been on a human cadaver. Students can stimulate medical procedures most realistically outside of an operating room.

With Franck’s assistance, the nursing program developed a peer mentoring program. Upper-level students volunteer their time to help younger students understand content.

Andrea Faber, Ph.D., vice provost and chief administrative officer of the Lake Campus, said that Franck’s teaching expertise has resulted in a historical outcome.

“All these strategies led to the 2023 nursing cohort making history,” Faber said. “Each of the 22 graduates passed the licensing exam on the first try, an unheard-of accomplishment based on state and national figures.”

Outside of the classroom, Franck serves as the mentor to the Nursing Club, which helps students with team building and provides them the chance to volunteer with charitable events. These events not only help the students develop nursing skills but they also promote the Lake Campus to the local community.

Helentjaris commended Franck on her dedication to ensuring her nursing licenses and education are up to date. Franck also pursues education in holistic care, displaying her devotion and ambition to remain relevant in the health care field.

Franck is passionate about and committed to her students. She said she finds joy when she sees them understand a concept.

“I welcome the days when my students experience a light bulb moment,” Franck said. “My goal is to create an educational environment in the classroom and clinical studies to foster students’ clinical, organization and critical thinking skills.”