Bod Brief: Francis named new associate dean

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Courtesy of Washburn University Public Relations

New associate dean: Francis was named the new associate dean of academic affairs at Washburn Law.

John J. Francis has been named the new associate dean for academic affairs at Washburn University School of Law.

Francis has contributed greatly to Washburn Law. From 1999 to 2011, Francis served as the director of Washburn’s School of Law Clinic. He then served as co-director of the clinic from August 2014 until May 2019.

The Topeka Bar Association recognized him in 2019 with the Warren W. Shaw Distinguished Service Award.

“John is an empathic leader who brings administrative experience to the role of academic dean, as well as an abundance of institutional knowledge about Washburn Law gained during his 22 years of service to the law school,” said Carla Pratt, dean of Washburn University School of Law. “He will continue to teach the first-year Criminal Law course, as well as an upper-level course focused on criminal law.”