Shirley Franklin appointed as a visiting professor at the University of Texas
The former mayor’s spokeswoman says that the Franklin will continue to reside in Atlanta
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin will return to the classroom, this time with the University of Texas.
The LBJ School of Public Affairs, located in Austin, appointed Franklin as the Barbara Jordan Visiting Professor in Ethics and Political Values this week.
“We are so very pleased at this tremendous opportunity to learn directly from one of the nation’s most respected former mayors,” said Robert Hutchings, the LBJ School’s dean, in a statement. “Franklin embodies the spirit, passion and dedication Barbara Jordan demonstrated throughout her inspiring career, and we are grateful that Franklin has chosen the LBJ School as her home.”
Franklin has kept busy since finishing her second term as the city’s mayor. From 2010 to 2011, she taught at Spelman College as the school’s Cosby Endowed Professor. She has served as the chairwoman and chief executive officer of Purpose Built Communities and sits on the board of directors for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights - and plans to continue her work with both organizations.
“I am privileged and honored to join the distinguished faculty at the LBJ School of Public Affairs,” said Franklin in a statement. “I have long admired the work and life of Barbara Jordan as a legislator, orator and courageous defender of justice and human rights. This opportunity allows me to work with students who will continue the legacy of service and leadership that Barbara Jordan inspired.”
The former mayor’s spokeswoman says that the she will continue to reside in Atlanta, flying back and forth to Austin for new teaching responsibilities. “Atlanta will be my home most of the time but it is an honor I simply could not pass up,” she added in a Facebook post.
Franklin’s work for the University of Texas will begin on Jan. 31 when she introduces Andrew Young at the LBJ School’s second annual Tom Johnson Lectureship. She will also give the keynote speech at the 17th annual Barbara Jordan Forum on Feb. 19.