Franklin Pierce University Names Andru Volinsky as its First Civic Scholar-In-Residence

Former N.H. Executive Councilor and Gubernatorial Candidate Andru Volinsky has been named Franklin Pierce University’s first Civic Scholar-in-Residence for the 2021-2022 academic year. A social justice advocate, Mr. Volinsky will host a series of lectures and teach within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

“FPU is honored to welcome Andu Volinsky as our first Civic Scholar-in-Residence,” said Matthew Konieczka, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. “Our students will learn greatly from Mr. Volinsky’s breadth of experience as a lawyer, elected official, and advocate as we continue to provide them opportunities to be confident and knowledgeable citizens.”

Andru Volinsky began his career as a public defender in Tennessee, has defended clients against the death penalty, including arguing in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. Volinsky was also the lead lawyer in the historic 1997 Claremont School Funding case that established the right to an adequate state-funded public education in New Hampshire. A dedicated public servent, he served as counsel to N.H.’s Secretary of State and was a board member and legal counsel to the New Hampshire chapter of the ACLU. In 2016, Andru was elected to the Executive Council of the State of New Hampshire and served two terms before running for the democratic nomination in the 2020 gubernatorial election.