What they're saying about Megan Franklin

What they're saying about Megan Franklin

Megan Franklin speaking at introductory pep rally

The addition of Megan Franklin as Director of Athletics at UNI is already stirring excitement in the athletics community. Find out what Franklin’s peers have said about her hire.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Megan, and I am thrilled for her and for UNI. The sustained level of excellence we are developing in the classroom, competition and community at Drake has been a team effort, of which Megan has been an integral member. I have no doubt she will significantly influence Panther Athletics, the University of Northern Iowa, and the Cedar Valley." -Brian Hardin, Director of Athletics, Drake University 

“It was great to support the University of Northern Iowa on their search for a new Director of Athletics. Congratulations to Megan Franklin, who has built a great reputation in the Missouri Valley Conference and the state of Iowa during her tenure at Drake.” -Kyle Bowlsby, Founder and President, Bowlsby Sports Advisors

“I love UNI and think the world of the people that work here. Megan’s coming in with just the fresh ideas. She knows the people that are here. She values the success that they've had, the values of this institution, the family atmosphere. She's just gonna come in with a different set of skills from a variety of other institutions and apply that here.” -Christina Roybal, Vice President/Director of Athletics, Northern Kentucky University 

"Megan Franklin is the right person at the right time to serve as the Director of Athletics at the University of Northern Iowa. I firmly believe that she is well equipped to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come along with this role. I know our talented coaches, support staff and student-athletes will appreciate Megan's style and her commitment to elevating all of our programs to greater heights. I would ask that Panthers everywhere, the entire UNI community and the Cedar Valley join me in enthusiastically supporting Megan as she helps usher in an exciting time for UNI Athletics." -Bob Bowlsby, UNI Athletics & Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame Inductee 

“Northern Iowa has selected an exemplary leader for its athletics department in Megan Franklin. I have come to know Megan through a variety of leadership opportunities and interactions that have clearly demonstrated to me the principled values and integrity that guide her in our field of college athletics administration. Making a difference in the lives of student-athletes and providing sound guidance to her coaches and staff will undoubtedly be a focus as she leads the Panthers in the years ahead. Congratulations and best of luck to Megan and Northern Iowa.” -Mike Bobinski, Executive Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Purdue University

“I think the world of Megan Franklin. I believe she is an excellent choice for UNI. She is passionate, very smart and driven to do what is right for the student-athletes. This is a tremendous hire by UNI.” -Trev Alberts, Director of Athletics, Texas A&M University

"I want to congratulate the University of Northern Iowa on selecting Megan Franklin as its next athletic director. Megan embodies the essence of what it means to be a great administrator. She puts student-athlete success first and will support all of her coaches and staff in winning on the fields of play. She also brings the ability to connect with fans, donors and those in Cedar Falls and the state of Iowa."  -Warde Manuel, Director of Athletics, University of Michigan

Ben Jacobson: "I want to congratulate and welcome Megan Franklin to our athletics department as our new Director of Athletics. I look forward to getting to know her and working with her to support our student athletes. I am also excited for her leadership on campus, in the community, at the conference level and with our fans. It's both an exciting and challenging time in college athletics and I look forward to Megan’s leadership of our department."

Doug Schwab: “It’s an exciting time for UNI Athletics as we welcome Megan Franklin as our new athletic director. Coming off a successful season amongst many challenges, I look forward to working with her to build a permanent home for UNI Wrestling while continuing to produce men of character on and off the mat. I know our team, my staff, and I will continue to work diligently with Megan to build support for the Panther Train and UNI across our community, state and country.”

Bobbi Petersen: "I am excited to welcome Megan Franklin to the UNI family as she begins her role as the Director of the UNI Athletic Department. Her experience in NCAA Division I Athletics and the Missouri Valley Conference with an emphasis on the well being of the student athletes success brings a solid foundation to building UNI Athletics going forward. I am looking forward to working with Megan as UNI Athletics continues to grow as a recognized program with competitive student athletes in their respective areas of competition, leaders in the classroom and representatives of UNI and our community."

Mark Farley: “I am excited that Megan Franklin will join our team as our new Athletic Director. Her background and familiarity with the MVC along with her intelligence and detailed research will aid in creative and innovative ways to reach our standards and expectations of Panther athletics. Football is an integral part of the success at UNI and I look forward to working tirelessly with Megan as we move from vision to reality in not only renovating the UNI-Dome, but also filling the UNI-Dome. Our student-athletes and fans deserve the best and will need to join forces to become the best under her leadership.”

Ryan Jacobs: "I am looking forward to working with Megan in this new chapter of UNI Athletics. Megan has a clear vision of where our athletics department can go, and has shown much excitement in being a part of the Panther family. Those are two big ingredients to the recipe for success here at UNI."

‌Tanya Warren: “I am extremely excited to work with Megan and be a part of her vision for UNI Athletics! Her proven track record and remarkable vision from her time at Drake make her an exceptional addition to our team. Her expertise and dedication will undoubtedly propel our program to new heights, and I eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will have on our athletic department. Megan's strategic approach, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, align perfectly with the values we hold dear here at UNI. Together, we will cultivate a culture of success, teamwork, and inclusivity, ensuring that our athletes have the support and resources they need to thrive both academically and athletically.”

Read the news release

Read highlights from the pep rally

Read the full transcript from the pep rally