Tim and Nancy Franklin to leave Institute for Advanced Learning and Research this fall

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Executive Director Tim Franklin and his wife, Nancy Franklin, who serves as senior director for planning and academic program development, have announced that they will leave the institute to take positions with Pennsylvania State University.

Tim Franklin will remain in his present duties until Nov. 25 of this year when he will become Penn State’s director of economic and workforce development. Nancy Franklin will resign effective Oct. 6. She will be directing strategic initiatives with Penn State’s Outreach and Cooperative Extension organizations.

The Franklins were hired in the aftermath of the Future of the Piedmont’s Learning, Working, Winning report and Virginia Tech’s proposal to the region that an institute be developed that would bring together various components necessary to improve the region’s economy through research, education, technology, and commercialization. During the past seven years, the IALR has grown to employ over 60 people and has become a national model for economic transformation.

An academic partnership involving Virginia Tech, Averett University, and Danville Community College, IALR research centers in the fields of polymers, unmanned systems, high value horticulture and forestry, and motorsports engineering, are designed to make major strides in their specialty fields, as well as attract small and mid-sized companies seeking access to their advanced infrastructure and expertise. Additionally, each research center offers educational opportunities uniquely focused on current research.