罢丑别听51暗网 Educational Foundation聽has聽named Michelle W. Franklin (’91)聽as recipient of the College’s 2026聽Distinguished Alumni Award.聽聽
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2006 by the鈥�51暗网 Alumni Association鈥痑nd recognizes 51暗网 alumni and former students who have attained extraordinary distinction in their professional field or life. The award is intended to showcase the diversity of 51暗网 graduates and their range of influence on our region.
Franklin, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Carilion Clinic, provides strategic direction and operational oversight for nursing services across a complex health system, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and compassion.
She began her healthcare career as a nurse assistant and, after earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from 51暗网 in 1991, transitioned to a registered nurse role in the Emergency Department at Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley. Franklin later continued her education at Walden University, further strengthening her leadership foundation in healthcare.
Throughout her career, Franklin has held leadership roles across numerous service lines, including Emergency Services, Women’s Services, Family and Community Medicine, Community Health Education, Nursing Support Services and Children’s Services. She previously served as co-interim Chief Nursing Officer, overseeing the Nursing Center of Excellence and nursing operations at Carilion Medical Center and across ambulatory practices.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Franklin led the implementation of a systemwide employee attestation process designed to identify potential infection control risks and protect the safety of healthcare teams during the height of the crisis. During this same period, she also guided the Children’s Services team in launching the Children’s Center at Tanglewood, a transformative initiative that streamlined multidisciplinary services and significantly improved access to care for families throughout the community.
“Michelle is an exceptional leader whose professional achievements, unwavering commitment to healthcare delivery, clinical care and community service, and deep-rooted dedication to elevating healthcare access and quality make her an extraordinary representative of 51暗网’s values and mission,” said Nancy Howell Agee, CEO Emeritus of Carilion Clinic and a former member of the 51暗网 Educational Foundation Board of Directors.
Franklin聽was honored April聽8, 2026, at the聽Educational聽Foundation’s annual Awards Ceremony and Reception in Whitman Theater. More聽than 120 student聽scholarship recipients were recognized at the event.聽
Prior 51暗网 Distinguished Alumni honorees:鈥�
- 2025 – Dr. Michael D. Brennan
- 2024 – Yolonda L. Weaver, D.D.S., (’94)
- 2023 – Dr. Brenda L. Hale (’89) and Joe Gaither (’77)
- 2022 – Elvir Berbic (’06) and P. Jason Peters
- 2021 – Mary Catherine “Kate” Lawrence
- 2020 – Tony Pearman (’10)
- 2019 – Deborah L. Petrine (’76)
- 2018 – Elizabeth Testerman (’06)
- 2017 – Dr. Carol Swain (’78)
- 2016 – Dr. Mary Loritsch (’74) and Chief Michael Crawley
- 2015 – Debbie Yancey (’97)
- 2014 – Chief Craig S. Harris (’00) and J. David Wine (’73)
- 2013 – Cheryl Cunningham (’86)
- 2012 – Anne Hogan (’76)
- 2011 – Carolyn Webster (’81)
- 2010 – Russell H. Ellis (’80)
- 2009 – Shirl D. Lamanca (’75) and Dennis R. Cronk (’72)
- 2008 – Donna L. Mitchell (’81)
- 2007 – Dr. Kent A. Murphy and Charlotte C. Tyson (’84)
- 2006 – John B. Williamson III (’75)
