Keri R. Franklin

Dr. Keri R. Franklin is a Professor of English at Missouri State University, serving as Director of the Ozarks Writing Project and former Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment. She has held leadership roles in accreditation and community engagement initiatives, leading university-wide accreditation efforts from 2013-2023. Her career spans over 30 years in education, industry, and administration.

Education background includes a PhD from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2007), MA from Missouri State University (1999), and BS from Southwest Baptist University (1997). Professional affiliations include HERS Leadership Institute, National Forum for Chief Engagement Administrators, and Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corps.

Research focuses on digital literacy, writing pedagogy, and assessment strategies. Her work has secured over $6 million in external funding for programs benefiting K-12 writing education and teacher development. She founded the Ozarks Writing Project (2008) and the Center for Writing in College, Career & Community.

Notable awards include the NILOA Excellence in Assessment Award (2019) and Missouri State Board of Governors Faculty Excellence Award (2015). Media highlights include leadership in university public affairs themes and STEM education initiatives.

Advising and grants: Coordinated multidisciplinary teams for institutional accreditation and led large-scale educational projects. Grants include the $4M CODERS initiative for rural school programs.

Labs/teams: Directs Ozarks Writing Project (NWP affiliate) and oversees writing-focused centers promoting community collaboration between academia and K-12 education.