FRANKLIN, Ind. – Franklin College recently announced the retirement of two long-serving members of its campus community: Alice Long Heikens, Ph.D., who concludes a 34-year tenure, and Janet “Jan” (Mitchell) Schantz, who is calling it quits after a 49-year career.
Heikens retired as a professor of biology at 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 her doctoral degree in botany from Southern Illinois University. 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. At the college’s commencement in May, Heikens was honored with the title of faculty emerita in recognition of her distinguished service and contributions.
Schantz retired as the executive assistant to the president at the end of May 2025. She joined the college in 1975. Throughout her five-decade career, she served as executive assistant to seven college presidents and as recording secretary to the board of trustees. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Franklin College in 2003. She was the advisor to the Student Foundation, served on the college’s annual United Way Campaign committee, and played a leading role in helping plan and execute countless campus events. Schantz received the Margaret Hommell Staff Excellence Award in 2018.
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- Alice Heikens
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- Janet Schantz
