Franklin College Announces the Retirement of Two Employees
Franklin College announces the retirement of two esteemed and long-serving members of its campus community: Alice Long Heikens, Ph.D., who concludes a distinguished 34-year tenure, and Janet “Jan” (Mitchell) Schantz ’03, who retires after an extraordinary 49-year career.
Alice Long Heikens, Ph.D., retired as a professor of biology the end of January 2025. She joined the faculty in 1991. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Central Arkansas and earned her doctoral degree in botany from Southern Illinois University.
During her 34 years at the college, she served as a campus leader, a community builder and a dedicated mentor and role model for others on campus. She dedicated extensive time conducting individual research projects with students and exposed them to various professional opportunities. She served as the college’s New Faculty Seminar leader, providing support to the new faculty hires, and the Liberal Arts Coordinator, helping to recruit new faculty.
Heikens was instrumental to the planning and cultivation of the urban forest at Grizzly Park. She also spearheaded efforts to have the college honored for the past twelve years with a Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation.
She earned multiple awards from the college for her work during her career, including the Dietz Faculty Excellence Award, the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award twice and the Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship. At the college’s commencement in May, Heikens was honored with the title of faculty emerita in recognition of her distinguished service and contributions. In addition, she received the Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Academy of Science in 2022, where she served in various leadership roles including president. She is also a board member for the Natural Areas Association.
“Alice has been a pillar of the biology department and a passionate advocate for environmental conservation throughout her 34 years at Franklin College,” said Kristin Flora, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “Her dedication to student mentorship, field research, and community engagement has inspired generations of future scientists and stewards of the natural world. Her legacy will continue to shape our campus long after her retirement.”
Heikens resides in Franklin with her husband, Norman.
Janet “Jan” (Mitchell) Schantz retired as the executive assistant to the president the end of May 2025. She joined the college in 1975. Her nearly five decades of service have left an indelible mark on the college community.
During her 49 years at the college, Schantz held a number of key roles, including secretary to the vice president of admissions, secretary to the vice president for development, and clerk-typist for the development and alumni office. She also supported the alumni and placement offices. Throughout her career, she served as executive assistant to seven college presidents and as recording secretary to the board of trustees.
While serving as executive assistant to then-President James G. Moseley, Schantz earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Franklin College in 2003, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.
Beyond her administrative contributions, Schantz was the advisor to the Student Foundation and served on the college’s annual United Way Campaign committee. She played a leading role in helping plan and execute countless campus events, including commencement ceremonies, scholarship luncheons, presidential inaugurations, facility dedications, and President’s Celebration dinners. Her close work with the Board of Trustees helped support the college’s strategic goals and ensure institutional continuity.
Schantz was awarded the Thomas K. Ehret Endowed Scholarship as a student, and in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a staff member, received the Margaret Hommell Staff Excellence Award in 2018. She is also a member of Alpha Society, Sigma Tau Delta, and Omicron Delta Kappa, and remains active in the community through her involvement with the Franklin Symphonic Council.
“Jan’s remarkable 49-year career at Franklin College is a testament to her unwavering dedication and deep love for this institution,” said Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather. “Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and steadfast support of college leadership have made her an invaluable member of our community. Jan leaves behind a legacy of service that is truly extraordinary.”
Schantz resides in Trafalgar.