Trusteeship - November/December 2023 - 25

edged the fast-changing board construct.
At this stage, the collective effort was finally making a difference.
Critical Shift in Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement
Historically, DMU has operated without expecting philanthropic
support from its board members. While DMU continues to be tuition-dependent,
the university has broadened its financial horizons
by actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors. This shift has
diversified DMU's funding streams and fostered a culture of giving
at the university.
After my arrival, I advised the board to consider their role as
chief fundraisers and ambassadors for the university. I also recommended
that we commit to restructuring the institutional advancement
function.
The board approved my plans, rose to the challenge to become
donors, and began applying newly learned skills in philanthropy-
also learned during special facilitated sessions held during March
retreats. Their newly found excitement in the ambassadorial
process is a primary reason for the anticipated success of DMU's
$50 million Purple & Proud capital campaign, the largest fundraising
campaign in the university's history.
" When we all heard the plan for the move to a new campus,
there was a split second of deafening silence and then an explosion
of applause with every board member on their feet, " said Dave
Kapaska, DO, MBA, Des Moines University's current board chair,
and a 1986 alumnus. " That lightning bolt moment underscored we
had indeed changed. "
As it elevated fundraising priorities, the board also became
instrumental in helping substantially increase the level of alumni
engagement nationwide. In 2010, alumni engagement (of any
type) stood in the single digits. In 2022, the Office of University
Advancement reported an alumni engagement rate of 23 percent.
Ultimate Benefits of Board Evolution: Building a New
Campus and Campaign
The tangible results of the renewed board direction can be seen
mainly in two large-scale, emblematic dimensions. These are the
imminent completion of the $50 million fundraising campaign and
the unanimous board endorsement for constructing a $260 million
campus in West Des Moines.
" By putting our unanimous faith in the remarkable leadership
skills of President Angela Franklin, we, the board, demonstrated
that we could make bold and difficult decisions and challenge
ourselves in the process, " said Michael Witte, DO, Des Moines
University's past board chair, and a 1977 alumnus who oversaw
the approval of the new campus project. " That is what high-performing
governing bodies need to do. Ten years ago, this university
could not have succeeded in a capital campaign nor conceived
of the extraordinary vision to create a new campus on a tract of
farmland. "
Concluding Thoughts
The leadership team of DMU-and by extension, the entire campus
community-is extremely proud of the membership, attitude, style,
and passion of every member of today's DMU Board of Trustees.
The Des Moines University Board of Trustees has evolved to provide
the exemplary leadership needed to guide an institution through
challenging transitions to forge leadership stability and sustain fiduciary
responsibility. Such stability and visionary leadership factored
large in the Higher Learning Commission's ten-year reaccreditation
of DMU in 2021, securing its excellent standing for the next cycle.
The board also has improved its effectiveness through structured
self-assessment practices and is appropriately involved in supporting
the comprehensive institutional strategic planning process.
Understanding its responsibility to ensure the safekeeping and prosperity
of DMU as a dynamic institution for the state of Iowa, the
Midwest region, and the nation, the board has provided bold and
focused direction during a much-needed leadership transition.
Overall, board actions during recent years demonstrate the
value of a commitment to selfless leadership and passion for the
institution's mission that began 125 years ago.
The culmination of my 12 years of advancement and evolving
to embrace best practices has led to the realization of a dream
campus on 88 acres of land, allowing us to reimagine medicine and
health sciences education and develop an enterprise steeped in the
tradition of excellence, compassion, and patient-centered care.
I was honored in September 2022 when the board announced
the naming of a street on DMU's new campus to be called Franklin
Way, thanking me for my leadership, vision, and service. While it's
nice to have a permanent marker like this, what was more valuable
was the board's recognition of the work we have done together to
" reach far, dream colossal dreams, and set audacious goals. " I said
these words during my presidential inaugural address-and they
have carried us through our work all these years.
At the street naming ceremony, Dr. Kapaska said, " President
Franklin, may this sign forever inspire others to follow your example
by finding ways to serve, lead, and make health care and public
health better for all people. And may your leadership and vision
inspire all of us-DMU alumni, friends, employees, and community
partners-to join in our university's efforts to improve the lives in
our global community by preparing highly competent, compassionate
health leaders. We all have exciting roles to play in this mission. "
I hope campus leadership teams across the country are able
to work together in similar ways and can share their experiences
of well-integrated, well-functioning partnerships that help guide
change and strengthen their institutions.
Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, is president and CEO of Des Moines University.
She has worked in higher education for more than 35 years and is a licensed
clinical psychologist. Previously, she was executive vice president and provost
at Meharry Medical College. Earlier, she held several positions at Morehouse
School of Medicine, including associate vice president and vice dean.
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