Welcome College of Education Community!
Welcome to the Staff Spotlight, where we celebrate the amazing people who make our college such a vibrant and supportive community. Each month, we’ll feature a dedicated staff member, sharing what inspires them and how they help our college thrive. Be sure to revisit the Staff Spotlight to meet more of the remarkable individuals whose stories remind us why our college is such a special place.
This month, the College of Education features Lora Francois in our Staff Spotlight. A Tucson resident since 1965, she has dedicated the past decade to the college. She progressed from a temporary DPS employee in 2013 to her current role as Graduate Program Coordinator, starting in March 2025. Lora has shown versatility by managing travel, reimbursements, program coordination, and administrative tasks. She is known for her proactive attitude and is a vital resource for the College of Education.
Lora Francois
Lora Francois
Graduate Program Coordinator, EDLP
"I love the winters and the sunsets. The people are pretty great, too."
Please share a little bit about where you grew up and what brought you to Tucson (if you were raised here, what is something that you enjoy about Tucson?).
Moved to Tucson with my family in 1965 and have been here since then. I love the winters and the sunsets. The people are pretty great, too.
How long have you worked at the college or university, and can you share a little bit about your job within the college?
Started as a temporary employee with a temp agency in 2013 in DPS, then began in EPSP as a temp for 6 months to process travel, reimbursements, and P-Card purchases. Was hired permanently as an Administrative Assistant in November 2015 (November 23, to be exact). In June 2018, I was promoted to Administrative Associate, a position I held until March 2025, when my title changed to Graduate Program Coordinator.
"Having been in the department for 10 years, I have done a little of everything."
What's one part of your job that people might not realize or understand about what you do daily?
Having been in the department for 10 years, I have done a little of everything.
If there's a favorite place you enjoy on campus and around Tucson, please share what makes it special.
Anywhere where I can see clouds and storms roll in.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Plant anything that will grow. Take a cruise. Whale watch.
Lora Francois, Texas Family!
