Washburn University President Jerry Farley announces the appointment of Lisa R. Jones, of Derby, as university legal counsel. She will assume her duties Sept. 1.

“She made a very positive impression on those with whom she met,” said Farley, who also noted that Jones was selected following a nationwide search.   “Her extensive experience will enable her to immediately begin making a contribution to the university. She has the talent, temperament and strength of character to serve her alma mater as legal counsel. We welcome her to Washburn.”

Jones comes to Washburn from Wichita State University, where she served as associate general counsel since 2007.  Prior to joining WSU, she served as staff attorney for the Third Judicial District of Kansas, as associate general counsel for the Kansas Board of Regents and assistant county counselor for Shawnee County.

“I have worked with many talented colleagues at Wichita State, and will miss them,” Jones said. “Washburn has made tremendous progress and is poised to aggressively move forward.  I am eager to join Washburn and be a part of this success.”

Jones is a three-time graduate of Washburn, having earned an associate’s degree in legal assistant, a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a juris doctor degree. She is a member of the Kansas Bar Association Board of Editors and is a member of both the Kansas and the Florida bar associations.

Jones will replace Kenneth Hackler, who retired in June.