William M. (Bill) Franz is the General Counsel of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In that capacity, Mr. Franz serves as the Board's attorney as well as the agency's General Counsel. He consults with and advises the Board and the Commissioner on agency legal matters as well as providing legal oversight of and support for policies and programs.

Mr. Franz has extensive experience in education and administrative law, labor and employment law, and general corporate law. He has served as general counsel for several clients in the private sector. In addition, he has litigated nearly 200 cases to conclusion. In the public sector, he has served as General Counsel, Director of Legal and Enforcement sections as well as Executive Director of State of Texas agencies. Mr. Franz has been engaged in the practice of law for some 35 years.

Mr. Franz graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting, the University of San Diego School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree, and the Georgetown University Law Center with an LL.M., a Master of Laws degree.