Dr. Jeanette Francis Makes an Impact in the Classroom and Beyond

By Jazmin Springer, Staff Writer 

Dr. Jeanette Francis, an international professor at Lynn University, has had an incredible journey on her way to becoming a beloved professor, including facing numerous challenges after relocating from her native Colombia. This has shaped both her career and her relationships with international students at Lynn.

Francis came to the United States to study and enjoyed it so much, she decided to pursue a career in education. She has now been at Lynn University for 22 years as a faculty member of the College of Business and Management, teaching several courses, including Fundamentals of Management and Leadership as well as courses in the international business program.

“After doing my bachelor’s, I went ahead and did my master’s, and I enjoyed that so much that I decided to go for my doctorate degree. A good way to take advantage of so much studying is to teach,” said Francis.

The veteran professor expressed that her teaching journey was not always easy. At the beginning of her career, she experienced language barriers and students often had difficulty understanding her due to her accent.

However, as her English improved, so too did her communication with students and her strong writing abilities, which have resulted numerous publications. 

“I have written six iBooks for the university,” said Francis. “Writing is one of my strong suits.”

Her titles include “Global Management,” “International Marketing,” “Spreadsheet Design & Presentation Techniques,” “Political, Legal, and Cultural Dimensions of Global Markets,” “South America: A Focused Regional Study” and “Principles of Management and Leadership.”  

She has also authored several papers and presentations throughout her career, including “Cultural Adaptation in Times of Coronavirus.”

Alongside her manifold writing accomplishments, Francis has played a decisive role in orchestrating Lynn’s study abroad program within the College of Business and Management. She also enjoys teaching Columbian language and culture courses, where she educates students on her culture through music, art, dance and food.

As an international professor, Francis believes the obstacles she’s overcome have made her a stronger person. Additionally, shecan strongly relate to international students’ experiences, gladly mentoring them and leading them to success.

“I empathize with international students. I have felt what they felt and have been in their shoes,”

she said.

To international students facing challenges, she advises they not be discouraged and reminds them to give themselves time.

As far as future goals and aspirations, Dr. Francis hopes to learn more about artificial intelligence and how professors can better apply it to teaching to make students’ time at universities more effective.