Franklin College has named its longtime athletic director and basketball coach as its acting president.
Kerry Prather, who has served the college for 37 years, was announced as the acting president Tuesday night. He steps in to replace Thomas J. Minar, who was fired as president of the college following his arrest on Jan. 6 in Wisconsin on charges related to sex crimes with a minor.
“I assume this position with enthusiasm and confidence because I believe strongly in Franklin College and in the incredible people who do important, transformational work with our students every day. Franklin has a bright future, and I am excited to help ensure that the institution remains focused on the heart of its mission, our current and future students,” Prather said in a news release Tuesday.
Prather started his career at Franklin College in 1982 when he was hired as an assistant men’s basketball coach. He was promoted to head coach in 1983 and took on the additional role of athletic director in 1990. Prather was in his 21st year as athletic director when he was named acting president.
For much of his career, he also served as an executive leadership representative on the college’s President’s Cabinet. Previously, he served as acting vice president for administration and acting vice president for enrollment management.
“The team-first mentality that has served Kerry tremendously well in the athletic realm for more than three decades will be an asset to his role as acting president of Franklin College. Beyond his strengths in team-building, collaborating and motivating, he brings incredible passion for the college mission of preparing students for purposeful lives and significant careers,” said James V. Due, chair of the college’s board of trustees.
“His stalwart service and flexibility to do what is needed, when it is needed, will help the college remain focused on doing what is best for students during this time of transition.”
Minar was arrested in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on charges of use of a computer to facilitate a sex crime, child enticement, exposing a child to harmful materials and child exploitation. The college announced on Monday that he had been fired as president.
The college was already in the process of searching for a new president, as Minar had announced last year he would be resigning his position at in June 2020. That search will continue, the college said in the news release.
