Franklin College Suspends Search, Names President
Kerry Prather has been with Franklin College since 1982. (Provided Photo/Franklin College)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Franklin College Board of Trustees has suspended its search for a new president and named Kerry Prather to the role. Prather has been serving as acting president since January, when the board fired former president Thomas Minar amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Prather has held a variety of roles at Franklin College for nearly 40 years. He started as an assistant men’s basketball coach in 1982, became head coach in 1983 and was named athletic director in 1990. He has also served as acting vice president for administration and acting vice president for enrollment management.
“The Franklin College Board of Trustees recognizes that Kerry Prather’s steady hand, transparent communication style and committed servant leadership are needed during this time of transition to keep the college focused on the important work of doing what is best for students,” Board Chairman James Due said in a news release. “The campus community and our alumni enthusiastically greeted Kerry’s appointment as acting president, and today’s announcement reflects the board’s confidence in his abilities and leadership.”
The college says it will renew its presidential search in March 2021 with the goal of finding a new president to take office in the summer of 2022.
Last month, Minar was arrested in Wisconsin on charges of Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Sex Crime, Child Enticement, and Expose a Child to Harmful Materials/Narrations. The Sturgeon Bay Police Department said Minar had been released from custody on bond and was ordered to have no direct contact with minors unless supervised and not to use social media.
Minar was already on his way out as president after announcing last year he would step down from the role in June.