“If I impacted lives, that’s all that matters,” said Dr. Frankie Rose. “It’s very important to have high quality academics, operational procedures, business practices—I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on those things. But Union taught me that it matters most how we treat each other.”
Rose has been a constant at Union for the past eleven years, first as a professor of biology and in the PA program and then as Union’s vice president for Academic Administration. Before he took on those roles and before he earned his Ph.D. in molecular genetics, Rose was a biology major at Union College. This is where he first fell in love with his wife, Ellen. And when they returned to Union as employees, this is where they raised their children. “Union College is woven deeply within the fabric of my life,” Rose said.
During his time as an administrator, Rose has pushed Union forward toward a more successful future. He oversaw the launch of Union’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, and as a professor he created the biomedical science major—which has grown to become one of the most popular degrees at Union. Rose also successfully navigated the college through four demanding professional accreditations and the college’s 10-year Higher Learning Commission review.
“One of the most meaningful things I’ve ever experienced has been mentoring students,” Rose said. As a professor, he advised more than 25 students each academic year. He strived to make sure each student was not only challenged in the classroom, but also welcomed and supported. “When I was a student at Union, I built strong connections with both professors and my peers. I found people who genuinely cared about others selflessly. That inspires me to be a better person.”
“It has been such a fortunate thing to be at a place where you have people whose faith and lives are such a daily example of what it means to be a Christian,” Rose said.
Rose left Union this summer for a new career in Kansas City so he and Ellen can more easily care for their parents in Missouri. He’ll miss his community here, but he’s thankful for the time he spent at Union. “I always did feel very supported and wanted at Union College,” he said. “I felt called to come here because this college transforms people’s lives in such a positive way.”
by Maria Kercher, senior communication major