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CORVALLIS - Sally K. Francis, dean of the Oregon State University Graduate School, has been voted 2005-06 president-elect of the Western Association of Graduate Schools.

Francis was elected to the post at the association's annual meeting in Idaho earlier this month. Association goals focus on improvement and enhancement of graduate education throughout the region.

Francis has been an Oregon State University faculty member and administrator since 1982. She has served as president of the OSU Faculty Senate and as president of the International Textiles and Apparel Association. She has also served as chair of the university's graduate council.

Citing her exceptional, ongoing, and dedicated service to the faculty and to the university community, the university has also honored Francis with its D. Curtis Mumford Faculty Service Award.

Francis earned her doctorate in textiles and clothing from Ohio State University and served as professor and chair in Oregon State's former Department of Apparel, Interiors, Housing and Merchandising before taking over the leadership of the university's Graduate School.

Her professional expertise includes consumer satisfaction, particularly in clothing and textiles; clothing shopping practices and environmental issues relating to clothing and textiles.

The Western Association of Graduate Schools is a regional association affiliated with the Council of Graduate Schools. The association includes more than 90 members in the western United States and Canada that offer master's and doctoral degrees.