Franklin honored with Woman of the Year Award

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Laura Franklin, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, as one of two recipients of the 2024 Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes employees and students who identify as a woman and make a difference in the lives of others in the campus community.

"I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award," said Franklin. "A long line of tremendous women come before me in receiving this award, and I am honored to stand amongst them."

Franklin's work at the university centers on supporting underserved students in their pursuit of a college degree. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, Franklin says she is passionate about the impact of education opportunities for UW-Platteville students and their families. She emphasized the importance of students feeling well-supported on campus and her desire to be a part of their journey to become successful college graduates.

"Laura is passionate about ensuring students of marginalized identities are supported, included and have a home on this campus," said Natasha Geyer, assistant director of the Disability Access Center at UW-Platteville and Franklin's nominator. "She has helped create opportunities for students, especially first-generation students, to not only succeed academically but broaden their horizons and expand their outlook."

Through her area's diligent grant writing efforts, UW-Platteville currently receives just over $1 million in annual grant funding for the support of first-generation, limited income and disabled students, which is an increase of nearly $700,000 from when Franklin first started at the university in 2010. These efforts now include two federal TRIO Student Support Services grants, the TRIO McNair grant and the Fostering Success grant, all of which provide direct support to more than 450 UW-Platteville students annually.

"I believe the hard work of my areas on campus directly impacts the retention and graduation of students on our campus, and this makes me very proud," said Franklin.

Annual data tracking shows that students who participate in the program grants mentioned above have higher rates of persistence, graduation and good academic standing than the overall campus population.

"Her commitment to improving the lives of those around her is truly remarkable, and she has made a lasting impact on the lives of many students," said Geyer.

The Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award is named for the provost emerita and first female interim chancellor in UW-Platteville's history, who served at the university from 1998 until 2010.

Franklin will be honored at the university faculty and staff convocation.

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