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The University of Memphis seeks an innovative leader to serve as its next Dean of the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
The School of Law
The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law provides a vibrant, supportive, intellectually rigorous, and practice-oriented legal education and promotes student success, community engagement, research, diversity and inclusion, professional responsibility, and justice. The School is proudest of its outstanding alumni and students and impactful role in the region as the only law school in west Tennessee.
The School was founded in 1962 and was accredited by the American Bar Association in 1965. The School occupies a majestic and historic building with state-of-the-art functionality, which consistently has been recognized as one of the top law school facilities in the country. Located in downtown Memphis overlooking the Mississippi River and 15 minutes from the main University of Memphis campus, the School enjoys close proximity to state and federal courthouses. The School receives continued support from its many alumni now serving in the judiciary or practicing in the local Bar association.
The University of Memphis
The University of Memphis (UofM) is a leading, student-centered, urban public research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the University serves a population of close to 21,000 students and 4,400 employees including more than 1,000 full-time faculty; offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 250 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects, and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of $86M in research awards for FY23; and has an operating budget of $500 million.
Core values at the University of Memphis include a steadfast commitment to student success and access, as well as providing a welcoming and inclusive environment. Our campus is a joyful place with students from different backgrounds — each contributing something special to campus. Fifty percent of our undergraduate students identify as people of color and 33% of UofM students are the first in their family to attend college. More than 90% of our first-time full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid, and once enrolled, are supported through ACCESS MEMPHIS programs, dedicated to helping keep them in school and meeting educational goals. In addition, more than 50% of first-time students are eligible for Pell grants.
UofM is one of two flagship public universities in Tennessee. From record-breaking fundraising to all-time-high retention and graduation rates to rising national rankings and research excellence — progress at the UofM can’t be denied. Located in the heart of culture-rich Memphis, the University of Memphis is experiencing enormous growth and development — a huge transformation since our founding in 1912.
The UofM is ranked among the world’s top universities in the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, only one of three to make the list from the State of Tennessee. We’re currently the second-largest university in Tennessee and one of only two public Carnegie I research institutions.
The University’s main campus is located on 1,160 acres in the heart of Memphis. The University also maintains a campus in Jackson, TN (UofM Lambuth).
In August 2011 the University of Memphis began offering classes at the Lambuth campus. The former private university was forced to cease independent operation in May 2011 due to dwindling fiscal resources. Recognizing the important role that the school played in higher education in West Tennessee, civic leaders and government officials worked to maintain the Lambuth campus as a part of the University of Memphis. In January 2012, the UofM flag was raised, and the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus officially came into existence. Both campuses are governed by the UofM independent Board of Trustees.
Position Qualifications:
The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Law and reports to the Provost. The Dean must have demonstrated significant achievement in leadership, scholarly activities, and administration. The Dean should be a transformative change-agent who is committed to shared governance and open communication. The successful candidate will have a Juris Doctor or its equivalent, as well as an established record as an exceptional teacher and scholar, or comparable professional achievement meriting appointment as a tenured professor.
Other preferred qualifications include:
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication and leadership skills;
- Ability to relate effectively to a variety of internal and external constituencies;
- Administrative, fiscal, and fundraising experience;
- A demonstrated understanding of the research, instructional, and service needs of a School of Law;
- Experience developing successful recruiting and retention initiatives;
- Demonstrated ability to engage the entire law school community and leverage the strengths of the institution within the surrounding area;
- Demonstrated ability to build on the foundation of its mission and core values, and ensure the highest standards of quality and academic excellence;
- Experience cultivating an environment that supports the needs of students in a meaningful and interactive way;
- An entrepreneurial spirit to foster necessary changes within the academic enterprise;
- Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative relationships with the law school’s many constituencies including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and local community members;
- Strong fiscal and philanthropic acumen with demonstrated success in navigating the shifting financial landscapes;
- Demonstrated ability to leverage data to lead and improve student success outcomes;
- An unwavering commitment to promoting an inclusive academy.
Application Process
The UofM invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, complete CV, and references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted to:
Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Erin Raines, Senior Principal
Brett Sauls, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
Parker Executive Search Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 Atlanta, GA 30328
[email protected](link sends e-mail) || [email protected](link sends e-mail) || [email protected](link sends e-mail)
Phone: (770) 804-1996 x 109 or 117
Equal Employment & Institutional Equity
The University of Memphis does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by the University of Memphis.
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