Dec 06, 2019

New law school approved for Washburn University

Posted Dec 06, 2019 12:00 AM

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Washburn University School of Law will be getting a new home.


Washburn's Board of Regents on Wednesday approved the plan for a $33 million building on the Topeka campus.


The university will begin working on the plans immediately. A completion date is not yet set.


The current law school building dates back to 1968. The new building is part of Washburn's "150 Forward" campaign.


The $13 million in private donations raised for the building is the largest amount for a single project in Washburn history.


Washburn President Jerry Farley said declining enrollments nationwide prompted the school to project for 300 to 325 students, rather than 450.


Farley says the biggest advantage of the new building will be technological upgrades that were not financially feasible in the current building.


The current law building will be used for other university programs and offices.