James Franklin ’95, Head Football Coach at Penn State University, to Speak at ESU’s Spring Undergraduate Commencement Exercises

Posted by: admin on May 5, 2014, No Comments

James Franklin ’95, a record-setting quarterback at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania who was named the head football coach at Penn State University in January, will be the keynote speaker at ESU’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at Koehler Fieldhouse.

After earning his degree in psychology from ESU in 1995, Mr. Franklin got his master’s degree in educational leadership from Washington State University.

As ESU’s quarterback, Mr. Franklin was a two-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East selection. During his playing days, he set or tied 23 school, season or career records. In 1994, he set seven school records as a senior, including marks for total offense (3,128 yards), passing yards (2,586) and touchdown passes (19). In addition, he was a regional candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is presented to the Division II Player of the Year.

“James Franklin is a bigger-than-life guy,” said ESU’s offensive coordinator Mike Terwilliger,’78, who was the quarterbacks coach when Franklin wore red and black. “He has a desire within himself to get where he wants to be. He has a spirit that is infectious. He influences everyone around him. His will to win when he was here was unparalleled.”

Prior to being named Penn State’s 16th head football coach in its storied 127-year history, Mr. Franklin led Vanderbilt University’s football team to unprecedented success in his three years as head coach, winning nine games in each of the past two years, and finishing in the Top 25 in consecutive seasons, both firsts in school history. Under Mr. Franklin, the Commodores capped each of the last two seasons with bowl victories.

Mr. Franklin was named Vanderbilt’s head coach in December 2010 after three years as the assistant coach/offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Maryland. He was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Kansas State in 2006-07 and the wide receivers coach of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers (2005) prior to arriving in Nashville.

Mr. Franklin and his wife, Fumi, have two daughters, Ava and Addison.

Those media members wishing to speak with Mr. Franklin should contact Greg Knowlden, ESU sports information director, in advance at gknowlden@esu.edu or 570-422-3312.