Karen Franks

Phone:

(812) 856-6012

Email:

kmfranks@iu.edu

Department:

Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program

Campus:

IU Bloomington

Role at IU:  I am the incoming assistant director of the Borns Jewish Studies Program after serving for 20 years as an academic advisor in various units on campus.

Previous Positions at IU:  I have served as an academic advisor for University Division, School of Education, 21^st Century Scholars Program and O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. I began as assistant director for Borns Jewish Studies Program in June 2023.

Degrees and Education: I am an IU graduate. My first degree is a double major in German and Journalism. I also have a master’s degree in library science. I have a second undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in German language education. I have a lapsed license as a school media specialist.

IUBSC Motivations: I want to serve on the IUBSC to meet folks from across campus. I want to work together to build a vibrant, inclusive staff community. As we put the fraught weariness of the pandemic in the rearview mirror, my hope is to explore new ways to engage our talented staff. I would like to develop opportunities to heal as we move forward together to what is next for our university. I want to bring my passion for networking, collaboration, and programming to build a sustainable community for all of us.