Davies names new general counsel

President Bob Davies has appointed John Danner as the next general counsel for Central Michigan University, effective Sept. 14.

Danner joins CMU from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he has served as senior associate counsel since 2014. He served concurrently as UTSA's interim chief legal officer from 2017-19.

In his new role, Danner will lead CMU's Office of General Counsel. He replaces Manuel Rupe, who stepped down July to become senior associate dean of legal affairs for CMU's College of Medicine.

"John displays a broad and deep knowledge of the role of general counsel at a public university," Davies said. "His versatility and experience, combined with his approachable and personable manner, will serve CMU well."

At UTSA, Danner administered Office of Legal Affairs operations and was the university's contact for all legal issues, providing expertise and counsel to leadership, colleges, departments, faculty and staff.

He created a Title IX process, Behavioral Intervention Team, Americans with Disabilities Act Committee and a Public Information Act liaison system, among other initiatives.

Danner also trained administrators, faculty and staff in numerous areas, including Title IX, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and the First Amendment.

"I am truly honored to become general counsel for Central Michigan University," Danner said. "I am excited by the enthusiastic sense of identity and community I have found in CMU students, faculty, staff and administration. I am also proud to be a part of an institution that places such a high value on students' education and intellectual growth."

Before joining UTSA as associate counsel in 2008, Danner practiced from 1998-2008 in the San Antonio City Attorney's Office, from 1996-98 at John Killian and Associates law firm, and from 1995-1996 in his own law office.

Danner earned his Juris Doctorate degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from the University of Texas at Austin.