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The University of Tampa will host Florida Supreme Court Justice Renatha Francis on Wednesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. in the Charlene A. Gordon Theater and Performance Gallery for a “fireside chat” and reception with students, faculty and the public. The event is free, and registration is required.

Justice Francis will answer questions from students. Afterward, attendees will have an opportunity to network with attorneys from across the Tampa Bay region in a reception with catered food and drinks.

Francis was sworn in on Oct. 18, 2023, as the 92nd Florida Supreme Court justice and is the first Caribbean-American woman on the court. At her inauguration, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented Francis’ new credentials to the court, and said Francis, as an immigrant, “developed a strong appreciation for America’s founding principles,” and he was proud to honor a justice whose “path to the Supreme Court was the road less traveled,” according to an article from Florida Bar News at the time.

Kristen Foltz, the director of the Master of Arts in Professional Communication and assistant professor of communication, said this event should be of high interest to today’s students. “The political climate is changing. Students have questions, and we think this will help them better understand the world,” said Foltz. Seating is limited. Attendees should reserve a spot by filling out this form. IDs will be required for entry.