With just weeks before an accreditation visit which will decide its future, the Elson S. Floyd Medical College has hired two new deans.

Dawn DeWitt, vice dean for student and faculty experience, has been involved in medical education for more than 20 years and will provide strategic leadership for the college.

“It is beyond exciting to help create a new college of medicine that will train doctors for Washington state,” DeWitt said.

Luisita Francis, assistant dean for community engagement, will help build relationships with campus and clinical partners statewide.

A pediatrician, Francis was most recently executive director of an educational attainment partnership for children in Spokane County.

“I’m excited to help the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine find the places and develop the programs where our students will have great learning experiences,” Francis said.

Later this month accreditors will visit the Spokane campus to determine whether the college can begin recruiting medical students.