RT Prof Retires After 36 Years
Publish Date: 8-6-2015, 11:37 a.m.
Franklin graduated from the University of Missouri with a RT teaching credential. He began working at the Columbia Veteran’s Hospital as a respiratory therapist and was offered a transfer to California. “I was thinking ‘liberalism, Beach Boys and blondes, but ended up in Loma Linda, a Seventh Day Adventist community,” he chuckled. His stint at Loma Linda VA led him to a part time teaching position at Crafton Hills College in 1979. “The program was transitioning from San Bernardino Valley College to Crafton Hills at that time,” he said.
Franklin quickly got hired on as a full-time instructor. He witnessed the RT program evolve from a two-level certificate program to an associate’s degree. “We started with three affiliate hospitals and now we have nine,” he said. Hospitals have different approaches to respiratory care so more affiliates means varying experiences for the students.
“Our goal in RT at the beginning was to have our students pass the national exam. Only about 50% pass across the nation, but our program boasts a 100% pass rate,” said Franklin.
“The highlight of my career has been seeing our students be successful. And our students are not necessarily ‘elite’ students with high grade point averages,” he said. “It makes me happy when a struggling student completes the program and gets a job, literally changing their lives.”
“I’ve really enjoyed being at Crafton Hills College,” Franklin repeated. “I think Crafton has to be the most beautiful community college campus. I’m proud to see how the campus is growing now, and I appreciate that the growth is not destroying our link to nature.”
As for retirement, Franklin plans to “take a break” for a while. “I plan to do research on treatment of pulmonary disease and continue volunteering for the American Lung Association and American Heart Association, said Franklin. “I also am thinking about a trip to Europe next year. A trip where I can take my time and really enjoy the sights.” In the meantime, Franklin will enjoy spending more time with his two girls, Sarah, 26, and Ava, 22.
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