This feature is based on an interview with Dr. Darren Franklin conducted by Donald Haggerty, Professor of Strategy, Innovation and Business Capstone Experiences, Senior Faculty Lead for Faculty Development and Experiential Learning at Champlain College Online, and Endowed Chair at the Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry.
For Dr. Darren Franklin, teaching at Champlain College Online (CCO) isn’t a departure from his two-decade career in public administration—it’s an extension of it.
Dr. Franklin brings a unique perspective to CCO's Business and Public Administration programs. He served as Chief of Operations at Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C., overseeing operations for approximately 200 federal employees nationwide and managing the recruitment and placement of Peace Corps volunteers at posts worldwide. Before that, he spent 16 years as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, where he played a pivotal role in guiding strategic direction to tackle homelessness across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Now, he channels that expertise into preparing the next generation of leaders through CCO's undergraduate and graduate programs.
Teaching as Lifelong Learning
Dr. Franklin has taught in CCO's Business Program for over six years and recently began serving as a subject-matter expert for the new graduate program in Public Administration. His course roster spans the breadth of business education: Positive Organizational Behavior, Introduction to Business, Financial Management, Project Management, and various MBA courses.
"I believe that teaching is, in many ways, a continuation of my studies," Dr. Franklin explains. "To deliver the best class to my students, I must remain aware of current events that coincide with the material I am teaching."
This commitment to continuous learning isn't just professional—it's personal. Dr. Franklin earned his B.S. in Accounting and M.S. in Organizational Leadership at CCO before completing his Doctor of Business Administration at Georgia State University, where his research focused on Organizational Resilience and Strategic Renewal. He completed much of this academic work while working full-time and raising children, like many CCO students.
"I have a deep appreciation for the challenges our students face daily," he says.
Bringing Real-World Context to the Virtual Classroom
What sets Dr. Franklin apart is his ability to bridge theory and practice. His role at the Peace Corps enabled him to expand his domestic homelessness work by addressing poverty on a global scale. These experiences inform every lesson he teaches.
"I always seek to incorporate real-life examples that help better illustrate and bring course content to life in a relevant way," Dr. Franklin notes. "These examples might include business trends that my students are encountering in their daily lives, whether at work, play, or in their studies."
This approach resonates with students. One recent comment captures his impact: "Hey Professor, I want to thank you for an excellent course. You held me and the other students to a higher standard than in other classes, and pushed me to set a higher personal standard for myself. This benefitted my other classes, future classes, and my life...Thanks, Jordan B".
The Art of Master Teaching
Dr. Franklin's dedication to teaching excellence goes beyond staying current with his field. While pursuing his doctorate at Georgia State, he took an unrequired course called Master Teaching* at the University Level, taught by a highly successful professor with decades of experience.
"I took that course to heart, and to this day, I use concepts from it to improve my teaching," he says.
He also takes advantage of professional development resources offered by Champlain College Online, continuously refining his approach to engage students in meaningful ways. His philosophy aligns perfectly with CCO's commitment to accessible, high-quality education: teaching is a form of service that creates transformative learning moments.
Another student reflected on this impact: "I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful class! I have learned so much this semester and appreciate all your support. It was a rough start to the semester, but I thank you for your patience and willingness to work with me. I have truly enjoyed this class and am looking forward to using my newfound knowledge in the future."
*Master Teaching focuses on instructional strategies, student engagement techniques, course design, assessment methods, and ways to create transformative learning experiences for the college and university-level student.
Looking Ahead
"I am already looking for my next step in enhancing my teaching engagement," he says. "I love teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels and enjoy the academic perspective. As a result, I anticipate increasing my involvement in higher education even further going forward."
For Dr. Franklin, the connections between public service, organizational leadership, and teaching are clear. Each role requires dedication to others' success, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire people toward meaningful goals. In his CCO courses, students don't just learn business principles—they learn from someone who has spent decades putting those principles into practice on behalf of communities across America and around the world.
Build Your Future in Public Administration
Dr. Franklin's journey from federal service to higher education reflects the diverse career paths available in public administration. CCO's graduate programs in public administration prepare students to lead in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public-serving institutions. With expert faculty like Dr. Franklin, who brings real-world experience into the virtual classroom, students gain practical knowledge they can apply immediately in their careers.
Explore Champlain College Online's Master of Science in Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and discover how you can make a difference in your community and beyond.
