Hiring Announcement: University of Wyoming College of Law (Dean)

From a recent email message:

The University of Wyoming seeks a Dean, College of Law

Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UW_Dean_College_of_Law_Profile.pdf

Location: Laramie, Wyoming

The Position:

The University of Wyoming seeks a dynamic, effective, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Dean of the College of Law. The Dean is the chief academic and executive officer of the College. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and energetic leader who will continue to build strong relationships in and outside of the University. They will be an academic leader capable of inspiring and supporting the faculty toward building a strong background of scholarship while continuing their commitment to preparing law professionals for successful careers and service in the field.

This position presents a tremendous opportunity for the Dean to forge new pathways of excellence in inter-professional and inter-disciplinary efforts, strengthen existing relationships throughout the state, and enhance the national reputation of the College. UW’s next Dean and the College of Law are poised to serve as influential contributors in attaining a regional, national, and international level of prominence in these fields. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in academic, intellectual, fiscal, clinical, administrative, outreach, and fundraising activities.
• Embrace shared governance; lead a team of innovative faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
• Provide leadership to enhance sponsored research.
• Oversee the quality of the College’s academic programs and faculty and support the faculty in creating a rewarding environment for education, research and scholarship, and service to the University, the region, and the State.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, developing, retaining, and evaluating faculty and professional staff.
• Provide oversight for the financial affairs of the College and its physical resources, including budget development and allocation.
• Lead the faculty and staff in effectively integrating the academic mission of the Law School in a way that leverages existing strengths and identifies new opportunities that lead to greater research productivity, entrepreneurship, and statewide service.
• Support and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion among faculty, students, and staff in all dimensions.
• Serve as a strong advocate for the College, its faculty, and its students to work toward strengthening inter-disciplinary and inter-professional efforts within the University and with other community partners within the state of Wyoming.
• Promote the visibility and reputation of the College both inside and outside the University through interactions with a broad array of constituencies to advance the College and University’s reputation locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Drive a strong vision of innovation and inclusivity that includes a broad network of financial, campus, statewide, regional, national, and international partners.
• Work actively to raise funds from varied sources to support the research and service programs of the College and its faculty.

 

Qualifications:

• Earned juris doctorate;
• Expertise in one or more fields of law and law-related disciplines;
• A record suitable for tenure as a full professor in the College of Law;
• Demonstrated leadership and evidence of strong managerial ability in a university, business, or judicial environment;
• A record of successful fundraising experience and demonstrated abilities in partnering with university advancement officers to secure external gifts, grants, and funding to support law school programs;
• A demonstrated commitment to providing a supportive environment to all members of the community by valuing diversity while appreciating civil discourse;
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain relationships with external constituencies including donors, alumni, and community members;
• Experience with national and international issues affecting legal and graduate education;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within the University, the College of Law, and the larger legal community; and
• Familiarity with, or a commitment to gain familiarity with, the Wyoming legal community.

About the College of Law:

The College of Law maintains a strong commitment to a rigorous program of legal education that prepares its students, upon graduation, for admission to the bar and effective, ethical, and responsible participation as members of the legal profession by integrating theory and practice within its curriculum. The College offers substantial classroom, clinical, and externship opportunities in a wide variety of governmental, and private areas of legal practice.

The faculty is composed of productive, well-regarded scholars, many of whom had significant practical experience prior to entering academia, and several of whom hold advanced degrees in law or law-related fields in their disciplines. All faculty members enjoy the same tenure and promotion rights and requirements with no distinction among doctrinal, clinical, and legal writing faculty.

The College’s students may choose from several experiential courses and clinics, each providing an in-depth learning and practical experience surrounding particular topics including Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources, Defender Aid, Prosecution Assistance, Civil Legal Services, Family and Child Legal Advocacy, Probate and Estate Planning, and International Human Rights. There is consensus regarding the importance of a strong sense of community among and between faculty, staff, and students all of whom work together to attract quality candidates to the College of Law.

About the University of Wyoming:

Nestled amid the beauty of two mountain ranges in southeastern Wyoming, you will find the nationally recognized teaching and research institution, the University of Wyoming (UW). Established as a land-grant institution in 1886 when Wyoming was still a territory, UW has since grown to nearly 200 areas of study, drawing approximately 11,000 students from all 50 states and 83 countries. UW is known for its accomplished faculty and world-class facilities, its low student/faculty ratio and quality undergraduate and graduate programs within its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Business, Education, Engineering & Applied Science, Health Sciences, Law, School of Energy Resources, and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. To learn more: http://www.uwyo.edu

Throughout its existence, UW has been the only four-year university in the state of Wyoming, though it maintains close relationships with the state’s eight community colleges. UW’s global impact begins with innovative undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and extends through state and federal partnerships and recent initiatives such as the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research and the School of Energy Resources. UW has played important roles in the lives of students, Wyoming residents, and communities for 136 years.

• Recognized by Forbes in 2019 as one of America’s Best Value Colleges.
• Rated as a “Top 15 Outdoor Adventure College” by Outside magazine.
• Wyoming ranks #4 in the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best States for Higher Education.”

The University community is working collaboratively to help the University reinforce and strengthen its reputation as it adapts to changing economic factors in the state and beyond. The University’s strategic roadmap, “Forward for Wyoming 2023+: Honoring Our Heritage & Creating Our Future,” shows that it’s an exciting time to be a part of UW as it embarks on new and exciting opportunities.

Location: Located in Laramie, Wyoming, a town of more than 31,000 with a unique blend of sophistication and western hospitality, UW not only provides an environment for success but also offers varied academic and lifestyle opportunities. Laramie is a great place to live and work as it boasts a low cost of living with no state income tax as well as incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, an eclectic downtown area, and a great public school system.

Why Consider the Opportunity:

• Dynamic University. The University of Wyoming has energetic and visionary leadership that is moving the institution toward distinction, focused on increasing the level of both research activity and community engagement.
• The College of Law. As the only four year institution in the state, the College of Law plays an important role in the state’s legislative and judicial branches. Faculty have the opportunity to connect and work with key stakeholders and this connection offers opportunity for significant exposure for students who might serve as interns, clerks, and future employees at local and regional law firms.
• Laramie is a wonderful place to live and work. Laramie boasts a low cost of living, low property taxes, and no personal state income tax. The area offers incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, an eclectic downtown area, and a great public school system.
• Highly competitive benefits package, including outstanding retirement and health benefits.

To Apply:

The University of Wyoming, in consultation with Summit Search Solutions, Inc., will begin a confidential review of application materials immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by October 6, 2023 will be given first consideration. Completed applications should include a cover letter that describes why the applicant is interested in the role of Dean of the College of Law and how they can provide innovative and visionary experience based on their professional experience, a curriculum vitae, and the names of and contact information for at least five professional references. All applications and nominations will be held in confidence. To apply online, go to: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su363

For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:

Kristen Farha

Senior Consultant

Summit Search Solutions, Inc.

Direct: (316) 650-0069

[email protected]

The University of Wyoming is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University’s policy has been, and will continue to be, one of nondiscrimination, offering equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without regard to such matters as race, sex, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political belief, or other status protected by state and federal statutes or University Regulations.

Members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. The University’s policy has been and will continue to be, one of nondiscrimination, offering equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief, pregnancy, or other status protected by state and federal statutes or University regulations. The University’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all matters relating to its education programs and activities including recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, demotions, transfers, and all other terms and conditions of employment. To review the EEO is the Law Poster and its Supplement, please see The Diversity & Fairness page. 

Pursuant to Wyoming State law, W.S. 19-14-102, as amended, an honorably discharged veteran who has been a resident of the state of Wyoming for one (1) year or more at any time prior to the date when the veteran applies for employment, or any surviving spouse who was married to such veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, who is receiving federal survivor benefits based on the veteran’s military service and is applying for employment, shall receive an interview preference during the applicant screening process with the University of Wyoming. At the time of application, the applicant must possess the business capacity, competency, education or other qualifications required for the position. If disabilities do not materially interfere with performance of job duties, disabled veterans will be given preference over able-bodied veterans. Appropriate documentation of veteran status must be provided at the time of application as outlined in the application process. No preference will be given to a veteran currently employed by a public department.The University of Wyoming conducts background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of the background check. 

Application URL https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su363