The Faculty Lounge

Elaine Gagliardi Named Dean of Montana Law

The University of Montana School of Law has announced that Elaine Gagliardi will be its new dean.  She has served as interim dean since June 2022 and has been a faculty member at the school since 1995.  Gagliardi, who holds a JD from Montana Law, will also oversee the University of Montana's Department of Public Administration and Policy.

Garry Jenkins Named President of Bates College

Bates College has announced that Garry Jenkins will be its next president.  Jenkins  is currently dean at the University of Minnesota Law.  He will assume the Bates Presidency on July 1, 2023.  What a great hire for Bates!

Todd Clark Named Dean of Widener Delaware Law

Widener University Delaware Law School has announced that Todd Clark will be its new dean.  He is currently a professor at St. Thomas University College of Law (FL) where he previously served as senior associate dean of academic affairs.  Clark, who holds a JD from University of Pittsburgh School of Law, will  take over on July 1.

Alena Allen Named Dean of LSU Law

Louisiana State University Law  has announced that Alena Allen will be its new dean.  She is currently deputy director for the AALS and professor of law at the University of Arkansas School of Law.  She was previously interim dean at Arkansas.  Allen, who holds a JD from Yale, will  take over on July 17. What a great hire for LSU!

 

Louisiana State University Law  has announced that Alena Allen will be its new dean.  She is currently deputy director for the AALS and professor of law at the University of Arkansas School of Law.  She was previously interim dean at Arkansas.  Allen, who holds a JD from Yale, will  take over on July 17. What a great hire for LSU!

University of Missouri (Columbia) Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

The University of Missouri seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Dean of its School of Law. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the school’s chief executive and academic officer, and will work closely with the school’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader university leadership to advance academic, financial, and strategic initiatives. This position offers an opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of law education at Mizzou.

MU is the flagship university of the four-campus University of Missouri System and one of only 34 public U.S. universities with membership by invitation in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). It is the state’s land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU’s broad undergraduate programs and its graduate, professional and research programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU is centrally located in Columbia, Missouri, a place consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities.

 

Brad Toben Stepping Down as Baylor Law Dean

The longest serving ABA law school dean, Baylor's Brad Toben, is stepping down from his position effective July 1.  He will return to the faculty. Toben joined the Baylor faculty in 1983 and became  dean in 1991.  Associate Dean Patricia Wilson will serve as interim dean next year.  

Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the premier public research university in the State of Illinois, invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Law. The University of Illinois is a major land-grant university committed to excellence in research, teaching, public engagement, and international programs. We have a long tradition of shared governance and are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The University seeks a visionary Dean dedicated to enhancing and strengthening the mission of the College and to furthering its commitment to excellence in research, teaching, outreach, and international programs.

As the chief academic and executive officer of the College, the Dean has primary responsibility for the faculty and academic professional staff development, budgetary oversight and planning, academic and curricular issues, fundraising, and facilities development.

The new Dean will be pivotal in positioning the College and University as national and international leaders in areas represented by the College. The Dean will provide visionary leadership that will position the College and the campus for continued innovation and success. The Dean will provide leadership for building and enhancing key partnership and collaborations with units across campus. The Dean will be a strong advocate and spokesperson for the College both on campus and with external partners and stakeholders, including alums. While enhancing the diversity of the College, the Dean will value the contributions of diverse faculty, staff, and students.

 

Zachary Kramer Named Dean of Elon Law

Elon University School of Law has announced that Zachary Kramer will be its new dean.  He is currently the interim dean at Arizona State Law.  Kramer, who holds a JD from the University of Illinois College of Law, will  take over in June.

Montana Law Names Four Dean Finalists

And they are:

University of Montana GC Lucy France, Interim Dean Elaine Gagliardi, attorney Kari Hong, and Professor Eric Christiansen (Golden Gate Law.)  Deets are here. 

OCU Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

Oklahoma City University (OCU) seeks nominations and applications for the dean of Oklahoma City University School of Law. 

Established in 1904, the OCU School of Law is situated in the state capital and operates in a historic building located in downtown Oklahoma City which was fully renovated less than 10 years ago to accommodate a growing student population.  This facility provides an outstanding learning environment offering facilities for study, state of the art technology classrooms, a courtroom, and space designed to promote interaction between students and faculty.  The building is in close proximity to many government agencies, law firms, and service organizations and has played an important role in the life of the city for decades and, because of this, well represents the School of Law’s tradition of more than a century of service and leadership in the community.

With a full-time faculty of 21, and an enrollment of 453 students, the School of Law offers a learning environment that is challenging and supportive.  The School of Law houses three clinics: the state’s first and only Innocence Clinic, in which students work under the supervision of a clinical professor on the cases of actual inmates who have viable claims of wrongful conviction; the American Indian Wills Clinic, in which students assist tribal members with basic estate-planning documents; and the Norick Municipal Law Research Clinic, in which students work with city attorneys on legal issues facing a large metropolitan area with a rapidly developing urban core.   In addition, the School of Law also houses the Judge Alfred P. Murrah Center for Homeland Security Law and Policy.  The center examines the unique legal issues central to protecting and securing the nation with a focus on the prevention of domestic terrorism.  The School of Law will also lead the planning and serve as the host for the Sovereignty Symposium in 2023.  Originally an initiative overseen by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, this center was established in 1988 and is now a responsibility of the Law School. 

 

Fred Slabach Named Dean of University of Mississippi School of Law

University of Mississippi School of Law has announced that Fred Slabach will be the new dean of its law school.  He is currently President and university professor at Texas Wesleyan University.  Slabach, who holds a JD from University of Mississippi School of Law and an LLM from Columbia University will take over on July 1.

Rob Vischer Named President of University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas has announced that its new president will be Rob Vischer.  Vischer has served as dean of the university's law school from 2013-2022.  He assumed the St. Thomas Presidency on January 1, 2023.

University of Missouri-Kansas City Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is seeking an inspiring and innovative leader to serve as Dean of the School of Law. UMKC is an urban research university serving more than 15,700 students with a broad array of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. This school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

UMKC is recognized for the quality of its faculty, students, research and community leadership. Located in a metropolitan area that is among the fastest growing, most affordable and most entrepreneurial cities in America, UMKC enjoys a diverse base of corporate centers, high-tech firms and prominent non-profits that identify with UMKC. Kansas City is an inspiring example of 21st century economic transformation, with UMKC sitting at its heart.

UMKC’s next Law Dean will lead a law school within an urban research enterprise. Thus, this Deanship is an opportunity to serve the underserved, but also to explore opportunities for corporate law and entrepreneurship both within the law school and within our community at large. We seek candidates who are socially conscious and optimistic about the great things one can do within our fantastic city and for our dedicated stakeholders.

 

Cincinnati Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

The University of Cincinnati seeks an innovative and dynamic leader to serve as Dean of the College of Law. Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Law and a member of the Council of Deans, who actively participates in the governance of the university.

Within the University, the College of Law, with an enrollment of more than 400 students, is the fourth oldest continually operating law school in the nation, and it is committed to educate leaders in the pursuit of justice and the advancement of the role of law in society. Housed in a newly-opened building in the heart of campus, the college is committed to maintaining a robust and collegial learning environment that blends theory and practice including programs and clinics that focus on social justice and public service (the Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights; the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Institute for Justice, Ohio’s only Innocence Project; the Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice; the Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Clinic; the Indigent Defense Clinic; the Legal Access Clinic); business and corporate law (the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic; the Patent and Trademark Clinic; the Corporate Law Center); trial, appellate and negotiation practice (the Sixth Circuit Clinic; the Center for Practice; and our Help Center for Hamilton County Municipal Court), and the Weaver Institute for Law and Psychiatry. To learn more about the renowned College of Law and its history, visit law.uc.edu.

 

Victor Romero Named Interim Dean of Penn State Law University Park

As part of the proposed merger of the two Penn State law schools, the university canceled the dean search for Penn State University Park.  The university has named Professor Victor Romero as the new interim dean, effective January 1, replacing the prior interim dean James Houck.  Romero began his service at what was then the Dickinson School of Law in 1995, later transitioning to the new University Park law school after Penn State acquired Dickinson.  He holds a JD from the University of Southern California.  

Western New England Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

Western New England University (WNE or the University) seeks nominations and applications for the dean of Western New England School of Law (WNE Law or the Law School). The dean will join an exceptionally collegial community focused on student success and community impact. As the only law school in Western Massachusetts, WNE Law is a school of access and opportunity, offering an array of programs to meet the needs of a diverse student body of full-time, part-time, day, and evening students. The Law School maintains a proud transformational legacy of preparing graduates to enter the legal profession practice- ready and to become advocates and civic leaders within their communities. Building upon the Law School’s traditions of inclusivity, practical training, and community lawyering, the dean will have the opportunity to influence the future of a school where faculty, staff, and students are extraordinarily supportive of one another and committed to making a positive impact on the legal community of Western New England and beyond.

WNE Law serves as an “opportunity law school” in its region. It has a demonstrated history of offering a pathway to the legal profession for students who are traditionally underrepresented in the field, such as first-generation students and working professionals. WNE Law currently enrolls approximately 337 students in its JD, MS, and LLM programs and offers several areas of concentration. Its more than 8,500 living graduates are actively pursuing meaningful careers in all sectors of the law, primarily within Western New England, one of the most welcoming, progressive, and inclusive regions in the country.

 

Penn State President Recommends Reunification of Its Two Law Schools

The world goes round.  Neeli Bendapudi, Penn State's president,  is recommending that the university reverse the previous decision to separate its two law school campuses in to two separately ABA accredited schools and instead merge them back into one.  The plan is for the new school to become Penn State Dickinson Law - based primarily in Carlisle.  It will be lead by Penn State Dickinson Law's current dean, Danielle Conway - and based on the recommendation, Penn State University Park is canceling its dean search.  Deets here.  

Stetson Dean Search Announcement

Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s oldest law school, seeks an engaged and energetic leader to serve as its dean, commencing in the summer of 2023. Reporting to the executive vice president and provost, the dean is the chief academic and administrative leader of the College of Law and serves as an inspirational and cohesive leader for the tight-knit Stetson Law community. The dean will be an exceptional relationship-builder who leads with a collaborative attitude, exercising sound judgment and constructive discretion in decision-making for the long-term future of this distinctive law school.

Located in the scenic Tampa Bay area, Stetson Law is nationally and internationally recognized for its programs in advocacy, elder law, legal writing, Caribbean law, veterans law, and higher education, as well as its growing concentrations in business law, biodiversity, international law, and social justice advocacy. Stetson Law is also distinctive in its focus on student success and supporting professional careers that have impact whether in private practice, business, government, or the civic sector.

With a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing legal education and the leadership skills to guide a close community in achieving continued success, the dean will collaborate with Stetson’s many loyal constituents to:

• Amplify the law school’s strengths and support its students, faculty, and staff.
• Seek to understand the needs of the Stetson Law community through transparent, inclusive, and compassionate conversations.
• Set budgetary priorities to reach Stetson Law’s financial goals, including enhancing its core J.D. tuition revenue with sustainable earned income from new programs, grants that support its public service activities, and investments from individual and corporate donors.
• Form long-term partnerships with Stetson Law’s dedicated alumni and other prospective donors to increase annual giving and stewardship for the College of Law.
• Establish priorities to increase student, faculty, and staff engagement and retention, focusing on the well-being and professional development of Stetson Law community members.

Students, staff, faculty, and alumni share a tremendous pride in Stetson Law, and they encourage and assist each other in pursuing their diverse interests and ambitions. The dean should be eager to harness this positive passion for the law school, join the engaged community, and commit to serving Stetson’s long-term goals. That Stetson Law pride, passion, and promise are evidenced in this brief video welcoming your candidacy as Dean of Stetson Law.

Stetson University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist with this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be submitted confidentially at www.imsearch.com/8787. For full consideration, applicant materials should be submitted by January 13, 2023. 

Stetson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that affirms cultural diversity and inclusion as a core value of academic excellence at Stetson University. We are committed to achieving equal access in education, employment, and participation through the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds, and to meaningful academic and intellectual transformation in curriculum, research and service. We are dedicated to actions and policies that foster a community in which individuals with various identities, cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints work together to create opportunities for engagement through rewarding and fulfilling careers and personal experiences in a culturally and racially diverse society and a globalized world. We strongly encourage members of historically under-represented and economically-disadvantaged groups and women to apply for employment. Stetson University is an EEO, ADA, ADEA, and GINA employer. The Law School's Non-Discrimination Policy is here.

Kathleen Boozang Stepping Down as Dean of Seton Hall Law

Kathleen Boozang, who has served as dean of Seton Hall School of Law since 2015, will step down on January 1, 2023 and will return to the faculty.  Professor John Kip Cornwell will serve as interim dean while the university conducts a search for its next dean. 

 

 

Theresa Beiner Stepping Down as Dean of UA Little Rock Law

Theresa Beiner, who has served as Dean of University Arkansas Little Rock School of Law since since 2018, will step down on June 30, 2023 and return to a faculty position.  Details about the search for a new dean can be found here.