TROY – Troy University will officially launch its Western Region July 1 under the direction of Dr. James Franken. Dr. Bernie Nash will be associate director for academics.

Troy University campuses in Washington , Montana , Col or ado , New Mexico and Arizona will comprise the new region, acc or ding to Dr. Susan Aldridge,  vice chancell or of University College and eCampus.

“Dr. Franken and Dr. Nash have contributed significantly to the growth of Troy University and we know they will continue to contribute their talents toward the growth and academic quality of the newly created Western Region,” Aldridge said.

Campuses in Texas will shift to the Western Region in 2006, she said.

The Western Region will oversee undergraduate and graduate degree programs on military bases and in civilian locations.   Troy University also has a  large number of eCampus students – the University’s on-line degree gateway.  In addition, Troy University has the second largest number of students in eArmyU, the Army’s laptop program.  The headquarters f or the Western Region will be located in Col or ado Springs , Colo.

Dr. Franken joined the University in 2000 as direct or of the Augusta , Ga. , Campus and is an associate profess or of education. From 1996 – 1998, he was training modernization project manager f or the United States Navy, and has served on the faculties of Towson State University in Maryland, the University of Maryland and Troy University’s Honolulu, Hawaii campus. From 1980 until 1991, he was a manager f or Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company based in Burbank , Calif.

Dr. Franken holds a doctor of education degree from the University of Southern California , a master of arts degree in management from Central Michigan University and a bachelor of science degree in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale , Ill.

Dr. Nash earned his doctorate in industrial management from the University of North Texas , and a master of science degree in human relations and management from Abilene Christian University . He completed a business administration bachelor degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha .

He has most recently served as program manager in business management and assistant profess or of management at the University’s Augusta , Ga. , Campus. From 2000 until 2002, he was a business consultant and seminar leader f or T3 Systems, Inc. and ESI International, Inc. He has also served as president of The AAP Group of Companies headquartered in Manila , Philippines and was direct or of the University of Dallas ’ Center f or International Business and International Management MBA programs. From 1982 until 1991, he was president of the Karahan and Nash Companies, Inc. and previously spent nine years with Texas Instruments.

Troy University is an accredited state university that started in 1887 and has grown to four campuses in Alabama and more than 50 locations in 17 states and 11 f or eign countries, representing 27,000 students.