Earlier this year, the University of Northern Iowa announced Megan Franklin as the new Athletic Director at UNI. Over the summer, the former senior associate athletic director for Drake University was officially approved by the Board of Regents as the new Athletic Director. Franklin donned a purple and gold suit as she discussed her goals and outlook on the UNI athletics program.
“I want this time in UNI Athletics to be known as the legacy era,” said Franklin. “UNI Athletics has a long legacy, and our job is to continue and uphold that legacy.” After working for Drake University for twelve years, Franklin believes that her knowledge will be able to carry on the panther legacy. “You learn a lot in twelve years,” she said. “I felt ready to take this next step in my career and come to UNI.” Franklin has already begun her mission to uphold that legacy, taking to this summer’s Panther Caravan. Franklin has also expressed her excitement when it comes to getting the Cedar Falls community involved with UNI Athletics. “Athletics is a place for a community to come together. We all remember being younger at high school football games and that being a place for us to socialize … that’s what I want for UNI Athletics, not just for students, but for everyone in our community.” This summer, in conjunction with Sturgis Falls, the university hosted Fireworks Over the Dome in an effort to connect with the Cedar Valley community. “To be able to get the community involved in panther athletics is one of my biggest goals,” said Franklin.
Beyond community outreach, one of Franklin’s internal goals is to continue to support student athletes and their mental health. In an article published in May by former Northern Iowan News Editor Mallory Schmitz, titled “Struggles beyond the scoreboard,” student athletes expressed their concerns with their own mental health struggles. Franklin expressed her commitment to supporting UNI’s athletes. “Our student athletes are more than just athletes. They’re here to get an education. Striking a balance between your sport and your education can be hard,” said Franklin. “But at the same time, an athlete’s mental health matters a great deal to this entire department and to this institution.” Franklin expressed that she wants UNI athletes to feel celebrated and supported, especially as women’s sports continue to grow. “It makes me so happy to see all of women’s sports grow. As they grow, I want to ensure that our department is looking out for these athletes and supporting them through this journey.”
Above all else, Franklin wants to make herself available to the Cedar Valley community. “I want to be visible to athletes and community members alike,” she said. “Just like how when you were younger and you’d see the principal at home football games alongside the rest of the community, I want this entire community to feel like they have someone cheering them on. I want to partner with local businesses and get them involved in athletics, I want everyone who wants to be a part of this community to have access to that,” said Franklin.
All of this, to Franklin, is what will culminate in the “legacy era” of UNI Athletics. “Bringing the community together into our dome or in the McLeod Center, making sure our athletes feel supported and like they have a home here, getting students involved … it’s what UNI Athletics is all about. It’s what UNI is about,” said Franklin.
The UNI-Dome will be back in action this Saturday, Aug. 31 for UNI football’s first home game against Valparaiso.
