Ruth Witherspoon Named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Orlando, Fla. – Ruth A. Witherspoon has been named associate dean for academic affairs at the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. She joins Barry Law School with more than 26 years experience as an administrator in legal education.

Witherspoon previously worked at Barry Law School as a visiting professor in 2009-10. She was among the founding faculty at the Florida A&M University College of Law, and she served the law school from 2001-09 in various capacities, including as associate dean for administration and student services, associate professor, and interim dean. Prior to her work at FAMU, Witherspoon was on the faculty at Florida State University College of Law, where she directed a number of programs and operations, including the Academic Support Program, the Pro Bono Program, and the Summer Law Program for undergraduate students. In addition, she has been on the faculty at the law schools at University of Connecticut and University of Nebraska, where she served as an associate dean.

Witherspoon has taught Professional Responsibility, Health Care Law, Sales, Legal Writing, and Bioethics and has done research in the areas of legal ethics, professional responsibility and elder Law. She has served on various professional committees and community boards, including on the Florida Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity, where she served as co-chair of the Research Subcommittee. In addition, she has served on the Second Judicial Circuit’s Committee on Professionalism, on the Orlando Mayor’s Educational Partnership Task Force II Committee, and on the Central Florida Hispanic Business Summit Steering Committee.

Witherspoon earned a J.D. degree from University of Cincinnati College of Law, an LL.M. from University of Wisconsin Law School, and a B.A. degree Hamilton-Kirkland College.

“Ruth’s diverse experience in law school administration and her familiarity with Barry Law School unique vision and mission will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and strive for new levels of excellence,” said Leticia M. Diaz, dean of the Barry Law School.