Franklin College extends president’s contract

The Franklin College Board of Trustees has voted to extend President Kerry Prather’s contract through at least June 30, 2026. In making its decision, the board cited Prather’s “remarkable leadership in moving the college forward.”

Prather was named acting president in January 2020 and earned the permanent position the following month. In March 2021, the board announced Prather would continue to serve as president until at least July of 2024.

The board credited Prather for his work in establishing the college’s digital fluency program and the Center for Tech Innovation, as well as the Johnson Memorial Health Athletic Annex and a competitive esports program.

“The Franklin College community will continue to benefit from President Prather’s leadership and willingness to implement bold changes in an ever evolving and quickly changing higher education environment,” Board of Trustees Chair Peter Cangany said in a news release.

Prather said he is “humbled by the confidence” of the board and wants to continue the momentum the college has seen over the past three years.

“We will be announcing a new strategic plan over the coming weeks that will provide a bold, ambitious vision for the institution’s future,” he said.

Prather has been with Franklin College since 1982, when he joined as an assistant men’s basketball coach. He was promoted to head coach in 1983, a position he held for 36 years, in addition to athletic director and several other executive-level positions at the college.

Prather came into the presidency after his predecessor, Thomas Minar, was fired amid sexual misconduct allegations. Minar was later sentenced to six years in prison after pleading no contest to child enticement and other charges following his arrest in a Wisconsin sex crime sting.