Des Moines University (DMU) President and CEO Angela L. Walker Franklin has been recognized with the 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. The award acknowledges leaders demonstrating bold innovation, strengthening community and delivering measurable impact within their institutions.
Franklin’s tenure at DMU, beginning in 2011, has been marked by significant expansion and strategic realignment. The university has undergone its largest period of growth under her leadership, culminating in the completion of a new campus in West Des Moines, Iowa. Notably, this campus was brought to fruition during the global pandemic, completed on schedule and within budget – a feat demonstrating effective project management and resilience.
The new campus is designed to facilitate interprofessional education, emphasizing collaboration between different healthcare disciplines. This approach reflects a broader trend in medical education towards integrated care models, aiming to better prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare delivery. The facility also prioritizes student wellness and community engagement, signaling a holistic approach to education that extends beyond traditional academic pursuits.
Beyond the physical expansion, Franklin has spearheaded initiatives to embed cultural competency throughout DMU’s curriculum, clinical training programs, and employee development initiatives. This focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects a growing awareness within the healthcare sector of the importance of addressing health disparities and providing culturally sensitive care. The integration of cultural competency is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a fundamental shift in how DMU prepares future healthcare professionals.
Financial performance under Franklin’s leadership has also been strong. DMU has successfully launched a philanthropic campaign, demonstrating the university’s ability to attract significant external funding. This fundraising success is crucial for supporting academic programs, research initiatives, and student scholarships. DMU has earned national recognition as a leading educator in primary care, a critical area of healthcare facing ongoing workforce shortages.
Sally K. Mason, PhD, chair of DMU’s Board of Trustees, who nominated Franklin for the award, described her as “the definition of a trailblazer.” Mason highlighted Franklin’s vision, courage, and accountability, emphasizing the transformative impact she has had on DMU. According to Mason, Franklin’s leadership will benefit students, educators, and communities for generations to come, showcasing the potential of innovation, belonging, and academic rigor when combined effectively.
The award from Insight Into Academia recognizes Franklin’s “bold redefinition of what a modern medical and health sciences university can be.” This suggests a departure from traditional models of medical education, embracing a more dynamic, integrated, and community-focused approach. The magazine will feature Franklin alongside seventeen other distinguished honorees in its March issue.
The timing of this recognition is particularly noteworthy. The healthcare industry continues to grapple with challenges including rising costs, workforce shortages, and the need for greater access to care. Universities like DMU, under the leadership of innovators like Franklin, are playing a vital role in addressing these challenges by training the next generation of healthcare professionals and developing new models of care delivery.
Franklin’s success in navigating the complexities of the pandemic while simultaneously overseeing a major campus expansion underscores her operational expertise and strategic foresight. The ability to deliver a project of this scale on time and within budget, despite the unprecedented disruptions caused by the pandemic, is a testament to her leadership and the strength of the DMU team.
The emphasis on interprofessional education at the new West Des Moines campus is also a significant development. By bringing together students from different healthcare disciplines, DMU is fostering collaboration and breaking down silos that can hinder effective patient care. This approach aligns with the growing recognition that healthcare is a team sport, requiring seamless communication and coordination among various professionals.
The philanthropic campaign is not only providing financial resources for DMU, but also demonstrating the university’s strong relationships with its alumni and community stakeholders. Successful fundraising is often an indicator of institutional strength and a sign that the university is effectively communicating its vision and impact.
Looking ahead, DMU, under Franklin’s continued leadership, is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of medical and health sciences education. The university’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and cultural competency will be critical as it prepares students to address the evolving healthcare needs of a diverse population.
