Bill Weston

Mourning the Loss of a Kaplan Leader, Bill Weston, Dean of the School of Legal Studies

Known for impromptu pizza lunches with advisors and an unmatched passion for students, Bill Weston, or “Dr. Bill” as he was affectionately called, passed away after a brief battle with an illness. Bill joined Kaplan University nearly a decade ago and most recently served as the Dean of the Kaplan University School of Legal Studies.

“Bill’s decade long career in online education had a positive impact on many—faculty, students, and alumni,” said Gregory Marino, President of the Kaplan University Group. “His care and passion for our students will not be forgotten.”

Before serving as the Dean of the Kaplan University School of Legal Studies, Bill was an Associate Dean and Professor of Law at Concord Law School and a member of the faculty at Kaplan University. He taught students for more than 30 years, and was steadfastly committed to seeing them succeed. At Kaplan University graduations, many students sought out Bill to shake his hand, give him a hug, and say thank you for helping them achieve their academic dreams.

“Our University and the higher education community have lost a man whose leadership, focus and passion for students will be sorely missed,” said Christopher Caywood, Kaplan Legal Education Chief Operating Officer. “Many were touched on a personal level by Bill’s constant commitment to the well-being of others.”

“Bill was very passionate about what we do,” noted Mark Garland, President of Kaplan University–Davenport. “He was always willing to lend a hand and was very supportive of the campus, faculty, and students.” A dedicated husband and father, Bill’s wife of 38 years, Ellen, recently received her master’s degree in higher education from Kaplan University and is a member of the full-time Health Sciences faculty. He is also survived by son Kevin, daughter Leah, mother Susie, and 3 grandchildren.

“Bill had a great sense of humor, loved to pun, and was a kind man,” said Barry Currier, President of Kaplan Legal Education and Dean of Concord Law School. “Professionally, Bill was a teacher and a lawyer, or maybe one would say that he was a lawyer and a teacher. He loved the law; he loved his students and former students. There are thousands of people out there in the legal profession who absorbed what Bill taught them and modeled for them. That’s a great legacy.”