North Carolina Central University (NCCU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Law. The Dean will work closely with the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and other deans and academic leaders, under the overall University leadership of Chancellor Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye.
North Carolina Central University is a top-ranking historically black university founded in 1910 in Durham, North Carolina, by pharmacist and religious educator Dr. James E. Shepard. The university serves as a hub for intellectual dialogue and discourse and a source of academic distinction and game-changing innovation for North Carolina, the United States and the world.
The next Dean of NCCU School of Law must be someone with vision, tenacity, and a heart dedicated to service. The next Dean must possess an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset that embraces “grit,” because while the landscape for the practice and teaching of law is undergoing dramatic change, the need for well trained, practice ready lawyers continues to be critical in underserved communities. Of equal importance, the next Dean must understand, promote, and advocate for the Law School’s founding mission, providing an opportunity for an outstanding legal education to those who continue to be underrepresented in the legal profession because of their ethnicity, gender, or the communities from which they come.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership
The NCCU Chancellor and Provost, with input from the Law School faculty, staff, students and alumni, have identified the leadership agenda for the next Dean.
The overarching goal for the next Dean is to elevate the Law School’s visibility, attractiveness, and sustainability as an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited institution that prepares ‘practice ready’ law graduates who excel the bar examination. To achieve this goal, the Dean will work with a very dedicated faculty and staff who care deeply about the School’s mission and student success, many of whom are highly accomplished and nationally recognized; as well as a student body that is supportive of one another, and dedicated to learning and service.
Required Qualifications
- An earned JD or its equivalent from an ABA - accredited institution law school or equivalent; and
- A distinguished record of professional achievement and leadership.
Desired Characteristics and Experience
- A deep commitment to educational access and opportunity and a dedication to the ideals of civil rights, racial equity and social justice;
- Evidence of commitment to and management of diversity;
- Successful fundraising and development experience;
- Demonstrated financial management and budgetary skills;
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills;
- An ability to create an open organizational climate through shared governance;
- A record of service that shows high integrity, authenticity, transparency, and honesty which will engender the respect of the faculty, students, alumni and other communities;
- A leader who is proactive and who is not fearful of taking action and challenging norms;
- A demonstrated record of success as a leader and manager, whether in higher education, and especially at a law school, or in other fields of legal and public service that would transfer well to a law school environment;
- Among valuable law school-specific experience, two important areas are:
» Strong knowledge of the American Bar Association Law School accreditation standards, rules, and practice as well as the AALS standards and other accreditation standards; and
» Familiarity with the marketing, recruiting, and admissions processes.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion of this position prior to applying or nominating, please contact: Lynn Duffy, search consultant UNC System Office, [email protected] or Anne Schwarz, [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled. Materials should include 1) a letter of interest addressing how the applicant meets the qualifications and the responsibilities described above; and 2) a curriculum vitae or resume. Materials may be sent to [email protected].
North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
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