Harvey Franklin has been with Blue Mountain Community College for the last 11 years, but his experience in education spans a lifetime. “Education is the key to life,” he said.

Come July 1, Franklin will be studying a new subject: retirement.

Harvey is retiring from his position as Senior Associate Vice President of Branch Campuses, a role Jacelyn Keys will be assuming along with the new title of Hermiston BMCC Director.

Franklin won’t be completely out of the education scene. He’s hoping to use his knowledge and experience for consulting work. He’s particularly interested in sharing his grant writing skills — it was these skills that brought new programs to BMCC, including the diesel technology degree.

Franklin began his career in education at Prairie City in 1975 teaching industrial arts. He earned his doctorate in education from the University of Oregon. He and his wife of 46 years, Gwyneth, live on 80 acres outside of Hermiston where they raise cattle and alfalfa. Franklin hopes to keep ranching through retirement and get back into horses. Horseshoeing was one way he’s supported his family, including six kids, during summer months.

Franklin is a U.S. Army combat veteran, having served in the Vietnam war from 1967 to 1969. He used his GI Bill to pay for school and encourages all vets to utilize their benefits.

The “tremendous” support received by the community has impressed Franklin. He sees continued growth for BMCC and Hermiston, “There’s just an overall good attitude of progression and wanting to grow,” he said.