Cynthia Hornberger, a Lawrence resident, has taken a top-level position at Washburn University as a special assistant to the president.

According to a Washburn University press release, Hornberger will assist President Jerry Farley in communication with and support of the Washburn Board of Regents; represent the president with university, local and state constituents; and foster effective communication with faculty, staff and students.

Hornberger joined the school’s faculty in 1989 and served as dean of the Washburn School of Nursing from 2000 to August of this year. She had taken a sabbatical this fall and had plans of returning to teach full time before accepting the job.

With her new position, she will teach part time.

As dean of the nursing school, Hornberger developed the master of science in nursing program, expanded the bachelor of science in nursing program to become one of the largest programs in the state, and implemented international exchange programs with Northern Ireland, Finland, Hungary and China.

A mobile health clinic was also established during her tenure.

Hornberger will replace Tom Ellis, who took a position as vice president of development at the Washburn Endowment Association. Ellis had been a special assistant to the president since 1997.

The job search for the position was an internal one, university spokeswoman Amanda Hughes said.