Franklin University Honors Dr. David Paitson with the Professional Excellence Award at 180th Commencement

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio Executive Director, Office of Community Relations (614) 947-6581 Email: [email protected]

Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, celebrated its 180th Commencement on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, recognizing the accomplishments of its graduates and honoring distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions.

This year, the University presented the Professional Excellence Award to Dr. David Paitson. Dr. Paitson oversees all aspects of the Columbus Fury's business and volleyball operations, marking the seventh start-up he has been a part of in the sports space. Dr. Paitson, who served as both vice president of marketing and vice president of ticket sales during his more than 10 years with the Columbus Blue Jackets, was also the president and general manager of the beloved Columbus Chill.

A versatile leader within the sports space with expertise and successful experience in the areas of marketing, communications, sales and operations, Dr. Paitson's career includes a rare combination of meaningful experience in major/minor league sports, intercollegiate athletics and academics. He most recently held roles on the collegiate side of sports and in academia, serving as an associate athletic director at Sam Houston State and director of athletics at Lake Superior State University before becoming a professor of sports management, most recently at the University of Indianapolis.

A native of Terre Haute, Indiana, and a 2005 graduate of Franklin's master's in marketing and communication program, David was a key contributor in the process that brought the Blue Jackets to Columbus as an expansion NHL franchise. Prior to that he helped launch hockey in Columbus via the Columbus Chill, one of the most successful teams in minor league sports history. Under his watch, the Chill set a minor league hockey record with 83 consecutive sellouts. David also built, programmed, and operated the Chiller Dublin and Chiller Easton, bringing hockey to the masses in central Ohio and opening the door to the incredible participation in the sport of hockey that exists today.

Congratulations, David!

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

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