Regina Franklin
Regina Franklin, DMin, MDiv, MS, LNFA, CT, FT, is an accomplished healthcare administrator, educator, and ordained minister with extensive experience across hospitals, healthcare facilities, and long-term care administration. She currently serves as Director of Hospitals/Healthcare Facilities/Long Term Care Administration at Tarrant County College, where she leads academic and professional programs that prepare future leaders for the complex regulatory, ethical, and operational demands of healthcare environments.
In addition to her administrative leadership, Dr. Franklin is an Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University, where she teaches courses focused on death, dying, and the human experience at end of life. Her work bridges healthcare leadership, pastoral care, and thanatology, reflecting a deep commitment to compassionate care, ethical decision-making, and holistic support for patients, families, and care professionals. She also serves as an AIT Program Manager, supporting the development and mentorship of future long-term care administrators.
Dr. Franklin holds a Doctor of Ministry and a Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, with an emphasis in pastoral care, and maintains multiple professional credentials, including Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator and Fellow in Thanatology. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she brings a unique blend of clinical insight, academic leadership, and spiritual care to her work, advocating for excellence, dignity, and compassion throughout the healthcare continuum.
• Fellowship in Thanatology: Death, Dying & Bereavement
• Ordained Minister
• Southern Methodist University/Perkins School of Theology
• Remembering Mom Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to more than 35 years of experience in higher education and healthcare administration, grounded in a deep commitment to end-of-life care and pastoral work. My educational background and professional certifications in thanatology and pastoral care have equipped me to lead with compassion, expertise, and purpose. Today, I continue to serve by providing psychosocial and spiritual support to individuals and families in healthcare settings as well as within my congregation.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that while helping others navigate grief and bereavement is meaningful and necessary work, I must also take care of myself. Practicing self-care allows me to remain present, compassionate, and effective in supporting others through some of their most difficult moments.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems during times of transition, grief, and uncertainty. Providing clear guidance, compassionate support, and advocacy during these moments can make a meaningful difference in outcomes and overall well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, service, and compassion. I am deeply committed to the work I do and to giving back, which is reflected in my involvement in founding the Remembering Mom Foundation and my ongoing focus on supporting others with purpose and care.