The President

Dr. David M. Mills Appointed Interim President of Franklin University Switzerland

As of February 1, Dr. David M. Mills has assumed responsibilities as Interim President of Franklin University Switzerland.

Dr. Mills comes to this role from within the Franklin community, having served as Dean of Academic Affairs since August 2023. Prior to joining Franklin, he held leadership roles as Dean of International Education and Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. He brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education and holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Penn State University.

Announcing the appointment, Board Chair Paul Lowerre '77, P'06 stated: “Dave brings deep institutional knowledge, academic leadership experience, and a clear understanding of what our students need. Franklin’s Trustees have full confidence in his leadership.”

Dr. Mills’s academic leadership reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning, close faculty mentorship, and the importance of an international perspective. He has emphasized that a liberal arts education equips students not for a single outcome, but for a lifetime of thoughtful engagement—cultivating curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to work across boundaries.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Mills shared: “I’m a teacher at heart, and I’m never happier than when working alongside a student or colleague. Since its origins, Franklin has asked students to think across disciplines and cultures, to stay curious, and to learn through close engagement with faculty and one another. I’m honored to help sustain that work and to support a community committed to learning with purpose and openness.”

This interdisciplinary ethos also shapes Dr. Mills’s own scholarship and academic leadership, which spans fields and invites dialogue across traditional academic boundaries. In his leadership roles thus far, he has actively supported faculty in developing curricula and pursuing research that advance this integrative vision. A firm believer in the transformative power of Franklin’s distinctive offerings—particularly Academic Travel—he has consistently championed programs that deepen students’ global awareness and experiential learning.

As Interim President, Dr. Mills will work closely with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to advance Franklin’s academic mission and institutional priorities. He looks forward to engaging with members of the Franklin community in the coming weeks as the University continues its work in interdisciplinary and international education.