Doctor of Business Administration, Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada, November 2023
Dissertation: A Structural Equation for Volunteer Engagement: Inclusive Leadership, Psychological Safety, and Empowerment. Athabasca University Faculty of Business Repository

Master of Business Administration, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi. May 2009

Consulting Project: Neshoba County Coliseum. Conducted market analysis, stakeholder interviews, and strategic recommendations; delivered a written report and presentation to Coliseum leadership.

Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences (Textiles and Merchandising), Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi. July 2006

Organizational Development & Evaluation Specialist & Instructor (June 2022 - Present), LSU AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Volunteer & Leadership Development Specialist & Instructor (September 2019 - June 2022), LSU AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Interim Director (July 2018 - September 2019), Student Leadership and Community Engagement & The Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

Assistant Director (May 2012- July 2018), Student Leadership and Community Engagement & The Maroon Volunteer Center, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

Program Coordinator (July 2010-May 212), Student Leadership and Community Engagement & The Maroon Volunteer Center, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

Marketing Coordinator (May 2009- July 2010), EYStudios, Starkville, Mississippi

Graduate Assistant (January 2008- May 2009), Graduate Studies in Business, Mississippi State University

Marketing & Campus Outreach Manager (May 2006- December 2007), Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

Manager-in-Training (January 2006 – April 2006), Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Academic Manuscripts - Published

Conger, S., Rohli, R., Friedland C., Franks, M. 2024. Drought Irrigation Response Tool (DIRT). Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, 44.

Hensley, S., Fox, J., Cummins, M., Franks, M., Bird, M., Wells, C., & Miller, J. (2024). The Key to Coding Qualitative Data: Examples from the 4-H Youth Retention Study. The Journal of Extension, 62(1), 15.

Lobley, J., Miner, G., & Franks, M. (2024). The VRKC: A Newly Updated Tool to Help 4-H Volunteers Develop Foundational Competencies. Journal of Extension, 63(1), 5.

Academic Manuscripts – Accepted

Friedland, C. J., Bin Mostafiz, R., Franks, M., Farris, M. T., & Rohli, R. V. (in press). Transforming disaster risk reduction in South Louisiana: Advancing scalable solutions for flood and wind resilience. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning.

Franks, M., Culp, K., Knoepfli, K., Burns, T. A., & Wade, B. (in press). Ignite the spark: A multi-state collaboration on strategies for engaging and retaining 4-H volunteers. Journal of Extension.

Woodruff, T.; Franks, M.; Gerken, H.; Hargrave, H.; Berven, B.; Canfield, C. (in press) Organizational Health Inventory: A Comprehensive Exam for Assessing Extension’s Organizational Health. The Journal of Extension. Forthcoming.

Academic Manuscripts – In review

Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R.B., Friedland, C.J. (In review). Building Resilience through Engagement, Awareness, and Knowledge (BREAK): A Community-Engaged Approach to Mitigate Wind Hazards in Louisiana. Submitted to The Journal of Extension.

Franks, M., Hargrave, L. D., Woodruff, T., Gerken, H., Berven, B., & Canfield, C. (in revision). Do you measure up? Developing and validating the Organizational Health Inventory for Extension. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension.

Woodruff, T. R., Berven, B., Gerken, H., Franks, M., & Hargrave, L. D. (in revision). Implementing the organizational health scorecard approach: A blueprint for strategic planning for retention. Journal of Extension.

Published Extension Publications

Franks, M.; Conger, S.; Friedland, C., Mithila, S., Rahim, M. A., Garcia, A., Divine, A. 2024. A Community-engagement approach to managing drought: The drought irrigation response tool (DIRT). Louisiana Agricultural Magazine. 67(2), 20-23

Franks, M., Kleinpeter, S., Derbes, C., & Bin Mostafiz, R. (2024). Check Your Home Energy Usage: DIY Versus Professional Home Energy Audit. Publication No. P3962.

Franks, M., Bin Mostafiz, R., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., & Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Insulation Options and Their Benefits. Publication No. P3963

Franks, M., Bin Mostafiz, R., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., & Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Maximize Your Home’s Efficiency: Measure Your Insulation. Publication No. P3964.

Franks, M., Bin Mostafiz, R., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., & Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Prepare your home for extreme temperatures. 2024, Publication No. P3965.

Franks, M., Bin Mostafiz, R., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., & Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Choosing Energy Efficient Windows. 2024, Publication No. P3966.

Rodrigue, S., Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S. 2024. Youth Preparedness Initiative, Lesson 1: What Is a Natural Disaster. LSU AgCenter. Pub. No. 3889-A.

Rodrigue, S., Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S. 2024. Youth Preparedness Initiative, Lesson 2: Hurricanes. LSU AgCenter. Pub. No. 3889-B.

Rodrigue, S., Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S. 2024. Youth Preparedness Initiative, Lesson 3: Flooding. LSU AgCenter. Pub. No. 3889-C.

Rodrigue, S., Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S. 2024. Youth Preparedness Initiative, Lesson 4: How to Prepare. LSU AgCenter. Pub. No. 3889-D.

Rodrigue, S., Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S. 2024. Youth Preparedness Initiative, Lesson 5: Effects of a Disaster. LSU AgCenter. Pub. No. 3889-E.

Rodrigue, S., Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S. 2024. Youth Preparedness Initiative, Lesson 5: Emotions of a Disaster. LSU AgCenter. Pub. No. 3889-F.

Lepley, T., Uzee, B., Faust, L., McClure, O. J., Miller, V. T., et al., & Franks, M. 2024. Louisiana 4-H State Report. Publication No. MISC-39.

Franks, M. H., Kotzian, S. H., Pruett, B. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Organization and Structure of Extension. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Franks, M. H., Kotzian, S. H., Pruett, B. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Risk Management and Risk Reduction. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Franks, M. H., Kotzian, S. H., Pruett, B. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Liability Awareness. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Kotzian, S. H., Franks, M.H., Pruett, B. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Club Management. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Kotzian, S. H., Franks, M.H., Pruett, B. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Record Keeping. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Pruett, B., Franks, M.H., Kotzian, S. H. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Behavior Management. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Pruett, B., Franks, M.H., Kotzian, S. H. 2021. National Volunteer Research Knowledge Competency: Program Management: Financial Management. National 4-H Volunteerism Resources. Extension Foundation.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. Facts about 4-H. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2860.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. Planning a 4-H Club Program: A Guide for Volunteer Leaders. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2862.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. What Do 4-H Volunteer Leaders Do?. 2020. LSU AgCenter Pub. No. 2864

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. 4-H Letters to New Volunteer Leaders: Letter 1: What is 4-H?. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2865-A.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. 4-H Letters to New Volunteer Leaders: Letter 2: Getting started with a 4-H Club. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2865-B.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. 4-H Letters to New Volunteer Leaders: Letter 3: Planning & Conducting 4-H Meetings. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2865-C.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. 4-H Letters to New Volunteer Leaders: Letter 4: The How and Why of Experiential Learning. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2865-D.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. 4-H Letters to New Volunteer Leaders: Letter 5: Your Role as Teacher and Leader. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2865-E.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. Making 4-H Meetings Exciting: A Guide for Volunteer Leaders. 2020. LSU AgCenter Publication No. 2869.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, L. G. Louisiana 4-H Club Volunteer Leader Handbook. 2020. Publication No. 3762.

Morrison, C.C., Greenhaw, L.L, Bachman, J. M., and Franks, M. H. Recognizing Potential Volunteer Leaders. Mississippi State University Extension. 2017. Pub. No. 3151.

Conference Abstracts

Hensley S., Miller J., Simpson B., Cummings M., Franks M, Torbert S. Results of the Multi-State 4-H Youth Retention Study: Implications for Volunteers. 2022 National Extension Conference on Volunteerism; 2022; Tulsa, OK, United States. Extension Foundation.

Franks M. H. Comparing Collaboration & Volunteer Voice Within 4-H Leader-Program Relationships. 2022 National Extension Conference on Volunteerism; 2022; Tulsa, OK, United States. Extension Foundation.

Rodriquez M., McElprang M., Franks M., Miller J., Hesley S., Lewis K. Parental Expectations and Volunteer Engagement: Results from a Multi-State Youth Retention Study. 2023 National Extension Conference on Volunteerism; 2023 May 09; Lexington, KY, United States.

Franks M. A New Model for Volunteer Engagement. 2023 National Extension Conference on Volunteerism; 2023 May 09; Lexington, KY, United States. Extension Foundation.

PEER-REVIEWED INDUSTRY ARTICLES

Franks, M. H., Smith, A., Weichel, J. 2022. Summary Report on the National Volunteer Recruitment & Marketing Survey. NAE4-HYDP. The Pulse.

Franks, M.H. 2021. Creating a Volunteer Program that Empowers Volunteers. National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals: The Pulse. Available at http://bit.ly/VolEmpower

Franks, M.H. 2021. Strategies for Engaging Volunteers Remotely. National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals: The Pulse. Available at https://bit.ly/EngageVolRemote

National

Mostafiz, R.B., Al Assi, A., Franks, M., Kleinpeter, S., and Derbes, C. (2025). Empowering Louisiana’s Communities with Resilient, Energy-Efficient Housing Initiatives. American Association of Geographers (AAG), Detroit, MI, March 24-28.

Mostafiz, R.B., Kleinpeter, S., Franks, M., Friedland, C. (2025). Bridging Science and Practice: LaHouse’s Role in Promoting Resilient and Sustainable Housing in Louisiana. International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), Clemson University, SC, March 10-12.

Franks, M., Mostafiz, R. B. 2024: A Community-Engaged Approach to Managing Extreme Weather Events. Workshop presentation. Engagement Scholarship Consortium. Portland, Oregon. October 8–9.

Franks, M., Conger, S. 2024: A Community-Engaged Approach to Managing Drought. American Evaluation Association Annual Conference. Portland, Oregon. October 21–26.

Conger, S., Franks, M., Friedland, C., Rohli, R., and Divine, A. 2024: Community engagement approach to managing drought. National County Agricultural Agents Association. Dallas, Texas. July 15-18.

Miner, G., Franks, M., Hoyt, J. 2024. Foundational Competencies for 4-H Volunteers. National Conference of 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Pittsburg, PA.

J.C. Hensley, M., Franks. 2023. Evaluating Community Programs from a DEI Lense. American Evaluation Association Annual Conference. Indianapolis, Indiana

Franks, M.H. 2023 A New Model for Volunteer Engagement. Research Workshop. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism. Lexington, Kentucky

Rodriguez, M., McElprang, M., Franks, M., Miller, J.C. Hensley, S.T., Pracht, D. 2023. Parental Expectations and Volunteer Engagement: Results from a Multi-State Youth Retention Study. Research Seminar. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism. Lexington, Kentucky

Miller, J.C., Hensley, S.T., Pracht, D., Rodriguez, M., Franks, M. 2023. Multi-State 4-H Youth Retention Study: Qualitative & Quantitative Findings. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism. Lexington, Kentucky.

Franks, M.H. 2022. Workshop: Comparing Collaboration & Volunteer Voice Within Leader-Program Relationships: Lightning Talk. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism. University of Oklahoma.

Hensley, S.; Franks, M.H.; Cummins, M. 2022. Results of the 4-H Youth Retention Study: Implications for Volunteers. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism. University of Oklahoma.

Franks, M.H. 2022. Lightning Talk: Comparing Collaboration & Volunteer Voice Within Leader-Program Relationships. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism. University of Oklahoma.

Franks, M.H. 2021. Incorporate the Social Change Model of Leadership into Your 4-H Program. National 4-H Volunteer Conference. Rock Eagle, Georgia.

Franks, M.H., Bragg, H., Proudfoot, C. 2021. Connecting, Collaborating, & Caring: Southern Region 4-H Volunteers Supporting One Another. National Extension Conference on Volunteerism.

Franks, M.H., Fox, J. 2021. Beyond Plaques and Ribbons: Strategies for Volunteer Recognition. Society of Healthcare Volunteers Virtual Annual Conference.

Franks, M.H. 2020. Inspiring Youth to Lead and Serve in a Virtual Environment. National 4-H Volunteer Conference. Rock Eagle, Georgia.

Franks, M.H., Zito-Hebert, C. 2020. Using the Business Canvas to Dream, Design, and Deliver a Successful 4-H Program Idea. National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Raleigh, North Carolina.

Franks, M.H., Vincent, C. 2016. Creating a Campus Culture of Service: Linking Campus to Community. OrgSync Professional Webinar Series: Learn Forward. OrgSync.com.

Regional

Franks, M.H., Hensley, S., Dierenfield, C. 2024. Closing the Gap: Retention of Under-represented Youth and First-Year Families in 4-H. Southern Region Biennial Conference. Lafayette, Louisiana.

Hensley, S., Franks, M.H., Dierenfield, C. 2024. Closing the Gap: Keep ALL Youth Coming Back for More: Findings from the Multi-State Youth Retention Study. Southern Region Biennial Conference. Lafayette, Louisiana.

Miner, G., Franks, M., Hoyt, J. 2024. Foundational Competencies for 4-H Volunteers. Southern Region Biennial Conference. Lafayette, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H.; McGuire, K. 2022. Incorporate the Social Change Model of Leadership into Your 4-H Program. Southern Region Biennial Conference. Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Hobbs, K.; Kotzian, S.; Sarver, D.; Franks, M.H.; Dierenfield, C. 2022. Connecting, Collaborating, & Caring: Southern Region 4-H Volunteers Supporting One Another. Southern Region Biennial Conference. Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Franks, M.H. 2022. Workshop: Comparing Collaboration & Volunteer Voice Within Leader-Program Relationships: Lightning Talk. Southern Region Biennial Conference. Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Franks, M.H.; Hobbs, K.; Huebinger, L.; Knoepfli, K.; Taber Burns, A.; Kotzian, S.; Sarver, D.; Dierenfield, C; Edwards, H.; Culp, K. 2022. IGNITE The Spark. Southern Region Volunteer Engagement Series. University of Arkansas.

Franks, M.H.; Miller, R. 2022. Creating Leaders for Social Change. Kentucky Volunteer Forum. Lexington, Kentucky

Smith, C., Franks, M.H. 2021. How an Assets-based Philosophy During the Carnegie Community Engagement Self-study Advanced the Institutionalization of Community Engagement at Two Rival R1 Universities. Johns Hopkins University Diversity and Leadership Conference. 2021. Johns Hopkins University.

Franks, M.H., Smith, M. C. 2021. How the Carnegie Classification Created an Unconventional, Collaborative Partnership Between Two Rival R1 Public Universities. Gulf South Summit Conference on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. 2021. Nashville, Tennessee.

Wilder, C., Franks, M.H., Garraway, M., 2019. What Was I Thinking?: Reflection—the Key to Community-Engaged Leaders. 2019 Gulf South Summit Service-Learning Conference. Community Leadership: Educating the Next Generation. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas.

Wilder, C., Franks, M.H., Garraway, M., 2019. Building Community Leaders: Partners for Life. Poster presented at the Gulf South Summit. Community Leadership: Educating the Next Generation. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas.

Smith, M.C., Bajas B., Franks, M.H., Nylander, A., Parsons, R., Ward, J. 2014. Bringing History to Life: Living History and Growing Civic Competency in the Mississippi Delta. Gulf South Summit. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.

Franks, M.H., Carroll, D. 2014. Creating Strong Community and Campus Partnerships. Poster presented at the Gulf South Summit. Creating Capacity Collaboratively: Connecting Learning and Civic Outcomes. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.

Smith, J., Wilmoth, J., Franks, M.H. 2015. Emerging Adult Perceptions of Volunteering Experiences Involving Community Partnerships. Southern Council on Family Relations (S.E.C.F.R.).

Smith, M.C., Allen, C.M., Black, H., and Franks, M.H. 2013. Creating Civic-minded Students through an Alternative Spring Break Program. Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education. Kentucky Campus Compact. Louisville, Kentucky.

Franks, M.H. 2013. Creating a Student-led Volunteer Center on a Shoestring Budget. Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. Kentucky Campus Compact. Louisville, Kentucky.

Franks, M.H., Allen, C.M. 2012. Community and Campus Collaborations: Creating a Strong Partnership with Community Volunteer Organizations. Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education. University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

State

Franks, M; Douthat, T. 2025. LA-SEER and Louisiana DRI. Resilience Task Force. Louisiana House of Representatives. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M., Conger, S., Friedland, C., Rohli, R., and Divine, A. 2023: Community engagement approach to managing drought. Louisiana County Agricultural Agents Association. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Friedland, C., Conger, S., Rohli, R., Allen, K., Kleinpeter, S. 2023: Building resilience through extension awareness & knowledge (BREAK). LSU AgCenter and SU AgCenter Annual Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M. H. 2022. Strategies for Parent Engagement. Louisiana Conference for Afterschool Learning: Professional Development Series. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Boe, E.; Hebert, L.; Franks, M.; Deval, H. 2022. The Extension Workers Creed. Louisiana 4-H Update Days. Baton Rouge & Ruston, Louisiana.

Franks, M. H. 2022. Strategies for Parent Engagement. Louisiana 4-H Professional Development Series. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H., Moore, T. 2021. Effective Communication Strategies. Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association Conference. 2021. Camp Grant Walker, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H., Hebert, C. 2021. Comparing Collaborating and Volunteer Voice within Louisiana 4-H Volunteer-Program Relationships. Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. St. Bernard, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H., Zak, C., Guient, M. 2021. Increasing Opportunity for All Youth and Adults. Louisiana 4-H Professional Development Annual Series. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H.; McClure, O. 2021. Professional Communication. Louisiana 4-H Professional Development Series. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M. H. 2021. Engaging Parents in Volunteer Experiences in an Afterschool Setting. 2021 Louisiana Conference for Afterschool Learning. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H. 2021. Volunteer Development Virtual Lunch & Learn Monthly Series for 4-H Agents. Louisiana 4-H Youth Development. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H. 2021. Louisiana 4-H Monthly Webinar Series for 4-H Volunteer Leaders. Louisiana 4-H Youth Development. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H. 2021. Combining Research & Practice to Create Strategies for Volunteer Empowerment. Louisiana 4-H Facing the Future Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H. 2020. Inspiring Youth to Lead and Serve in a Virtual Environment. Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents Professional Development Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H. 2020. Volunteer Development Virtual Lunch & Learn Summer Series. Louisiana 4-H Youth Development. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H. 2019. Leading the Way for Successful Volunteer Engagement. Louisiana 4-H Professional Development Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H., Bachman, J. 2015. Using Technology to Track Campus and Community Volunteerism. Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities. Jackson, Mississippi.

Local

Franks, M.H. 2023 A New Model for Volunteer Engagement. 3MT Research Competition. Athabasca University. Aberta, Canada

Franks, M.H., Conger, S., Divine, A. 2023. A Community-Engaged Approach to Managing Drought. Louisiana County Agricultural Agents Association Annual Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Williams, K.; Franks, M. H. 2022. Louisiana 4-H Service-Learning Workshop. Louisiana 4-H Professional Development. Baton Rouge & Jonesboro, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H., Zito-Hebert, C. 2019. Building Your 4-H Program Through Social Capital. Louisiana 4-H Professional Development Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Franks, M.H., Garraway, M. 2019. Creating and Designating a Community-Engaged Learning Course. The Center for Teaching and Learning. Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

Franks, M.H. 2018. Community-Engaged Learning Workshop: Preparing Students to Work in the Community. The Center for Teaching and Learning. Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

Franks, M.H. 2018. Food Insecurity on College Campuses. World Food Day Conference hosted by the Mississippi State University Social Work Program. Starkville, Mississippi.

Franks, M.H. 2018. Preparing Students to Work in the Community. Faculty Fellows Program, Center for Community-Engaged Learning. Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

Franks, M.H. 2018. Using OrgSync to Foster Community Engagement and Volunteerism. Collegiate Leadership Conference, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

Franks, M.H. 2017. OrgSync: Create an Event, Get Involved, and Log Some Service. Collegiate Leadership Conference, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

Organizational Development & Evaluation

• Program Development Framework
• Conducting a Needs Assessment
• The Logic Model for Extension
• Writing Impact Reports
• Qualitative Data Basics
• Quantitative Data Basics

Leadership & Service

• How to Serve on MLK Day of Service
• 4-H Virtual Recess: Gratitude Letters with Youth
• Ten Ways to Serve Your Community from Home
• It's So Sew Easy: Face Masks for Health Care Workers
• Lessons on Leadership: What Makes a Good Leader
• That’s Cantastic: Easy Taco Soup Recipe from Canned Goods
• How to Donate to a Food Pantry and Host a Virtual Food Drive
• How to Make a Tote Bag Out of an Old T-shirt

4-H Club Management

• What is 4-H?
• Getting Started with a 4-H Club
• Planning and Conducting 4-H Meetings
• The How and Why of Experiential Learning
• Your Role as a Teacher and Leader
• Facts About 4-H
• What do 4-H Leaders Do?
• Planning a 4-H Club Program
• Making 4-H Meetings Exciting
• Guidebook for Volunteers Leading Virtual 4-H Programs
• Louisiana 4-H Club Leader Handbook

Volunteer Engagement

• Creating an Inclusive Environment for Volunteers
• Strategies for Volunteer Empowerment
• Seven Steps for Volunteer Recruitment
• Managing Volunteers Remotely
• A Complete Guide to Volunteer Recognition
• Recruiting, Onboarding & Utilizing Virtual Volunteers
• 2021 Volunteer Needs Assessment Summary Report

Louisiana State University

Franks, M. (P.I.), Bin Mostafiz, R., & Kleinpeter, S. 2024–2025. AgCenter Resilience Response Initiative, Extension Foundation (EDEN), $25,000.

Franks, M. (P.I), & Kleinpeter, S. 2025. Resilient Futures Through STEAM: Youth Arts for Community Awareness and Environmental Resilience, Mayor’s Office of Community Development, $38,767.

Franks, M. (P.I.), Kleinpeter, S., & Bin Mostafiz, R. 2025–2026. Forecasting Change: A Youth Leadership Development Program for Community Engagement, Resilience, and Louisiana Risk Reduction, Sea Grant Mini-Grant, $10,000.

Mostafiz, R. B.; Ayat, A.; Franks, M, Pang, Z. 2024-2025. Housing Efficiency, Research, and Outreach for Energy Solutions in Louisiana (HEROES LA). United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). $299,812

Friedland, C., Franks, M., Rohli, R., Conger, S. 2023-2024. Building Resilience through Extension Awareness and Knowledge (BREAK), AFRI Competitive Grants Foundational and Applied Science Program: Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems Program, $295,860

Conger, S., Friedland, C. Rohli, R., Garcia, A., Franks, M. 2023-2024. Decision Support, Education and Outreach for Managing Drought, NIFA: National Institute of Food and Agriculture: 2022-08434, $295,860

Rahim, M.; Mostafiz, R.; Franks, M., Friedland, C. 2024. Enhancing Flood Insurance Literacy in Coastal Louisiana: Risk Rating 2.0. Louisiana Sea Grant - Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Competitive Research Program. $49,929

Frank M.H. (P.I.); Martin, M. 2022. (Co-PI) National 4-H Council Salute to Excellence: National & Regional Lifetime Volunteer of The Year: Timothy Williams. $1,200

Franks, M. H. (P.I), Wilking, R. (Co-PI). 2022. National 4-H Council Salute to Excellence: National & Regional Volunteer of the Year: Vibriyogn Epuri. $1,200

Franks, M. H. (P.I.). 2021. Excellence in Research Scholarship. Athabasca University Department of Graduate Studies. $10,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.), Jones, K. (Co-PI). 2021. Youth Service America Lead Agency Partner. $6,000

Zammit, K., Frank M.H. 2021. National 4-H Council Salute to Excellence: National & Regional Lifetime Volunteer of The Year: Gloria Miller. $1,200

Franks, M. H. (P.I), Lafferty, K. (Co-PI). 2021. National 4-H Council Salute to Excellence: Regional Volunteer of the Year: Jessica Parker. $200

Franks, M.H. (P.I.), Jones, K. (Co-PI), Easley, R. 2020. Youth Service America Lead Agency Partner. $6,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.), Miller, R. 2020. Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Grant. Youth Service America. $800

Franks, M.H. (P.I.), Nan, A. (Co-PI). 2020. National 4-H Council Salute to Excellence: National & Regional Volunteer of The Year: Tammy Mong. $1,200

Mississippi State University

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2019. AmeriCorps VISTA. Corporation for National and Community Service. $385,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2019. The MSU Big Event: MSU's Largest One-Day Volunteer Service Event. James W. Criss Christianity Trust. $4,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2019. The Maroon Volunteer Center Spring Service Days: Inspiring Students to Serve their Neighbor. James W. Criss Christianity Trust. $3,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2018. The Maroon Volunteer Center Spring Service Days: Inspiring Students to Serve their Neighbor. James W. Criss Christianity Trust. $10,000

Montgomery, R. (P.I.), Smith, C. (Co-PI), Franks, M.H. 2017. Campus Innovation Grants: Advancing Leadership Practices for Interfaith Excellence. Interfaith Youth Core. $4,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.) and Smith, M.C. (Co-PI). 2016-2028. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers-In-Service-To-America). Corporation for National and Community Service. $360,000 (annually renewed)

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2017. The Maroon Volunteer Center Fall Service Days: Inspiring Students to Serve. James W. Criss Christianity Trust. $10,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2017. The MSU Big Event: MSU's Largest One-Day Volunteer Service Event. James W. Criss Christianity Trust. $10,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2016. Noble Cause Grant for "Dawgs for Cause" to mobilize volunteers to address local issues and inspire community members to act. Noble Hour GiveWell Community Foundation. $6,500

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2015. Better Together Inspiring Action Award by Interfaith Youth Core. $500

Franks, M.H. (P.I.). 2015. We Stand Strong: Program for 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Youth Service America and Save the Children. $2,000

Franks, M.H. (P.I.) and M.C. Smith. (Co-PI). 2012-2015. AmeriCorps VISTA. Corporation for National and Community Service. $270,000 (annually renewed)

ADDITIONAL EVALUATION PROJECTS (ACTIVE)

Friedland, C., Bin Mostafiz, R., Rahim, M. A., Wang, Y., Reeder, A., with Franks, M. (Senior Personnel). 2024–2026. ReDDDoT Phase 2: Climate-Informed Flood Risk Mitigation Sandbox, National Science Foundation, $1,499,434.

Zak, C. with Franks, M. (Program Evaluator) 2023-2026. USDA-NIFA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Louisiana State University Sustainable Community Project- Teens Leading Change. #2223R0396. $853,969

Douthat, T. 2024-2025. Provost's Fund for Innovation in Research - Big Idea Research Grants. Advancing Integrative Systems Based Approaches to Risk and Resilience: the Louisiana Social, Environmental, and Economic Resilience (LA-SEER) Center. $250,000