The Faculty Lounge

Roger Williams Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

Roger Williams University invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean, School of Law.

Founded in 1919, Roger Williams University is a private institution that places high importance on teaching and scholarship in both the liberal arts and sciences and numerous professional fields of study. With a combined enrollment of more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, and more than 275 full-time faculty, the School is positioned to become one of the finest comprehensive universities in the country. With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, RI, Roger Williams University is committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and to apply the practical skills that today’s employers demand. Roger Williams offers a wide array of academic programs through six schools of study, including the School of Law (RWU Law).

Established in 1993, RWU Law has approximately 450 students (75 percent of whom come from out of state) and 24 full-time faculty. A leader in experiential education, RWU Law delivers an innovative, high-quality legal education that is also affordable and inclusive. As Rhode Island’s only law school, RWU Law has the undivided attention of the state bench and bar, a world-class faculty dedicated to both teaching and research, exceptional clinical and externship programs, and a broad and accomplished alumni base. Last year, RWU Law celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Reporting directly to President Ioannis Miaoulis, PhD, and working closely with the Law School’s Board of Directors, the Dean will inspire a diverse constituency around the School’s vision and mission, which focus on preparing students not only for careers in law but also to become forces for positive change. As the only law dean in Rhode Island, RWU Law’s leader holds elevated prominence within the state’s legal system. The Dean will ensure that RWU Law remains student-centered; promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; continues the University’s commitment to serving the public interest; and prepares graduates for challenging legal careers. Promoting faculty excellence in scholarship, teaching, and public service and supporting students and alumni in their journeys to become capable professionals and engaged citizens, the Dean will continue to prioritize academic rigor and will improve shared governance, transparent leadership, and collaborative decision-making. In addition to being passionate about legal education and its access, the next leader of RWU Law will also demonstrate financial acumen and possess a proven record of fundraising. A J.D. or its equivalent is required.

Brian Gallini Named Dean of Willamette

Willamette University College of Law has announced that Professor Brian Gallini will take over as dean this summer.  Gallini is currently on the faculty at the University of Arkansas school of Law and, in addition to serving in the law school administration, spent nine years as head coach of the Arkansas hockey team.  He holds a JD from the University of Michigan and an LLM from Temple.

Maine Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

The University of Maine School of Law, the State of Maine’s public and only law school, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2020 or sooner.

The University of Maine School of Law seeks a Dean with a successful track record of administrative and fiscal leadership experience and one who possesses the vision, energy, and determination to lead the school in developing a 21st century legal education environment that requires innovation and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

About the University of Maine School of Law

Founded in 1962, the University of Maine School of Law is a vital resource serving our local, regional, national, and global community. The Law School is an institutional public servant committed to providing an accessible and affordable student-focused program of legal education and achieving the highest standards of ethical behavior. It has a culture of excellence and public service and our intentionally small size (approximately 260 students) allows for extensive faculty-student contact and fostering a strong sense of community.

The Law School provides students with a rigorous and innovative curriculum that blends traditional theory with diverse opportunities for experiential learning. Students work closely with talented, collegial faculty who are engaged locally and nationally in both public service and high-level scholarship. The Law School will have opportunities for recruiting new faculty in the next two years, which will serve to further advance the school’s academic program and reputation.

Maine Law’s engaged and supportive alumni base make up a large percentage of the licensed attorneys, judges, political, business, and civic leaders in Maine. The Law School enjoys a close connection to and excellent reputation within the Maine bench, bar and community-at-large, and the right candidate will recognize, appreciate and work to further nurture the strong sense of community that is Maine Law’s greatest strength.

Mitchell Hamline Names Dean Finalists

Mitchell Hamline School of Law has announced four finalists for the position of president and dean.  They are:

Norman Williams, Eileen Scallen, Anthony S. Niedwiecki, and Karen Bravo.

 

Charleston Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

For the first time in thirteen years, the Charleston School of Law invites inquiries, nominations, and applications from experienced leaders and accomplished legal educators for the position of its Dean.

Located in the heart of the #1 city in America, the Charleston School of Law was founded in 2003 with the motto, Pro Bono Populi. Through a commitment to experiential learning and public service, Charleston Law has consistently achieved its objective to deliver exceptional legal education and prepare graduates to provide legal services “for the good of people.” Since Charleston Law’s first class graduated in 2007, its students have contributed over 400,000 hours of pro bono legal service across the nation and its alumni are licensed to practice in 43 states and jurisdictions. Building on its reputation for classroom excellence and recognized for its special student-faculty relationship, Charleston Law currently boasts a diverse student body from approximately 260 undergraduate institutions across the United States and around the world. The faculty is consistently recognized for building meaningful relationships with students through dynamic classroom instruction and a genuine open-door policy. The faculty’s publication history includes contributions to academic journals, classroom texts, and practitioner resources. Charleston Law also enjoys a close relationship with the bench and the bar.

The next Dean of the Charleston School of Law will serve as its chief academic officer and will successfully lead the school and its stakeholders through its 2020-2021 ABA site visit, provide steady guidance towards permanent non-profit status, and initiate a robust program of capital development. This individual will readily assimilate to the school’s unique student-centric culture. Doing so, the new Dean will advance strategic partnerships and relationships with students, faculty, alumni, practitioners, judges, community leaders, regional colleges, and prospective students to promote the school’s growing brand and reputation to the broad legal community and prospective students. Through vision and tenacity, the successful candidate will be dedicated to service and community involvement to accelerate the school’s ongoing upward trajectory in admission criteria, enhanced selectivity, and increased bar passage. Working alongside the faculty and administration, Charleston Law’s next Dean will enhance the school’s prominence and distinctive character through continuation of the collaborative and successful relationships established and promoted by the school’s current Dean who will be returning to the faculty. In embracing such relationships, the new Dean will develop, organize, and oversee ongoing programs and implement new initiatives to meet the compelling opportunities of a law school on the rise in the changing legal profession.

Tennessee Law Seeks Dean

This just in (and further details here):

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Law (UT Law), to commence in the summer of 2020. As UT Law’s chief academic and administrative officer, the dean reports to the provost and will work closely with the vice provosts, deans of other academic colleges, and UT Law faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders, including members of the Tennessee bench and bar, in setting overall academic and strategic priorities for UT Law, allocating resources to move those priorities forward, and developing a community committed to student success.

The next dean will be an experienced and collaborative leader who will inherit a highly engaged and self-governing faculty and a dedicated staff, a strong student body, a supportive university administration, and a loyal alumni base. With these resources the dean will have the opportunity to expand an already successful fundraising and alumni-engagement program; to strengthen the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; to advance the reputation of the school locally, regionally, and nationally; and to maintain a community that is non-hierarchical, collaborative, and transparent for all its stakeholders.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate relevant experience in leadership positions of academic institutions. Ideal candidates will also have experience in leading, engaging, and inspiring a diverse community that equally values teaching, scholarship, and service. UT Law’s vision also includes expanding its stakeholder base and engagement across the University, with the public, and inside the legal profession. The successful candidate will also have effective relational and consensus-building skills, high emotional intelligence, and energy and enthusiasm.

Scott Brown, Former Senator, To Be Dean of New England Law

New England Law (the school's full official name) has announced that Scott Brown,  former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and current ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, will take over as dean and president of the freestanding law school at the end of 2020.  He will replace President John O'Brien who has helmed the school for over 30 years.  The announcement was not universally well received.  

Willamette Law Names Four Dean Finalists

Willamette University has announced the names of the four finalists in its search for a new law school dean.  They are Susan Bisom Rapp (Thomas Jefferson), David Yellen (Marist College, most recently), Brian Gallini (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)  and Karen Bravo (Indiana University, Indianapolis).  

St. Mary's Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

St. Mary's University based in San Antonio, Texas, invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the Dean of St. Mary's University School of Law.
St. Mary's University School of Law has long been recognized as the premier private law school in south Texas. It now seeks to extend that reputation throughout the state of Texas, the Southwest, and nationally through strategic management of its opportunities, resources, and excellent alumni partners. The School of Law's next dean will inherit an outstanding market position, a thriving enrollment, and a community united in the shared goal of providing an outstanding legal education.

The School of Law resides within a University committed to its Catholic identity and to the heritage of its founding religious community, the Society of Mary (Marianist). Educating students for over 150 years, the University is the oldest institution of higher learning in San Antonio.
The School of Law has amassed a nationally recognized law faculty, a highly regarded LL.M. program, a premier law journal, and a reputation in the field of trial advocacy that is unparalleled in this or any region of the country. St. Mary’s University School of Law graduates are national and regional leaders, prominent lawyers, and outstanding academicians, among other vocations. St. Mary’s University School of Law has a commitment to diversity that is second to none in its law school admissions process, while maintaining, through unique and innovative on-campus programs, a strong bar passage rate measured against its Texas competition.

Andy Abrams, Charleston Law Dean, Stepping Down

Dean Andrew Abrams has announced that he will step down as dean of Charleston Law School at the end of the school year.  He has led Charleston since 2008.

South Carolina Law Dean Rob Wilcox Stepping Down

Dean Rob Wilcox of the University of South Carolina School of Law has announced that he will step down at the end of the academic year.  He has been at the helm of the law school since 2011.  

Margaret Raymond Stepping Down as Dean of Wisconsin Law

Dean Margaret Raymond, who has led the University of Wisconsin School of Law since 2011, has announced that she will step down at the end of the academic year.  

Jon Garon Stepping Down as Dean of Nova Southeastern Law

After five-plus years at the helm of Nova Southeastern's law school, Dean Jon Garon has announced he will step down at the end of this school year.  

Indiana - Indianapolis Law Dean Announcement

Dean Andy Klein is wrapping up his seven year run at McKinney and IU is looking for a new dean.  The announcement is here.

 

Dave Douglas Stepping Down as William & Mary Law Dean

Dean Davison Douglas has announced that he will step down as dean of the William & Mary Law School, effective at the end of this school year.  He has lead the law school since 2009.

LMU Law Dean Gary Wade Stepping Down

Lincoln Memorial University law dean, Gary Wade, who joined the law school in 2015, has announced that he will step down as at the end of this school year. 

St. Mary's Law Seeks Dean

This just in:

St. Mary’s University based in San Antonio, Texas, invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the Dean of St. Mary’s University School of Law.

St. Mary’s University School of Law has long been recognized as the premier private law school in south Texas. It now seeks to extend that reputation throughout the state of Texas, the Southwest, and nationally through strategic management of its opportunities, resources, and excellent alumni partners. The School of Law’s next dean will inherit an outstanding market position, a thriving enrollment, and a community united in the shared goal of providing an outstanding legal education.

The School of Law resides within a University committed to its Catholic identity and to the heritage of its founding religious community, the Society of Mary (Marianist). Educating students for over 150 years, the University is the oldest institution of higher learning in San Antonio.

The School of Law has amassed a nationally recognized law facility, a highly regarded LL.M. program, a premier law journal, and a reputation in the field of trial advocacy that is unparalleled in this or any region of the country. St. Mary’s University School of Law graduates are national and regional leaders, prominent lawyers, and outstanding academicians, among other vocations. St. Mary’s University School of Law has a commitment to diversity that is second to none in its law school admissions process, while maintaining, through unique and innovative on-campus programs, a strong bar passage rate measured against its Texas competition.

Reporting directly to the Provost and working closely with St. Mary’s University President and the University’s senior leadership, the next Dean is the School of Law’s chief academic and administrative officer, with overall responsibility for its academic programs, operating budget, human resources, external relations, and fundraising. The Dean is also the School of Law’s principal representative in University governance and the legal community. The next Dean will be able to capitalize on the School of Law’s already strong assets to deliver an outstanding legal education, honor its commitment to legal ethics and service, and provide opportunities to students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Mitchell Hamline Law Seeks President/Dean

This just in:

Mitchell Hamline School of Law seeks applications and nominations for the position of President and Dean.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a forward-thinking and independent, top law school for students seeking a practical legal education. The school offers traditional full- and part-time programs as well as the first on-campus/online J.D. program at an ABA-approved law school. With a history dating back more than 100 years, Mitchell Hamline School of Law has continually shaped legal education to be relevant to its students, future clients, and the legal profession. Students, many of whom may not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain access to a legal education, thrive in a flexible, rigorous and experiential learning environment, and graduate prepared to make an immediate contribution in law, business, government, community service, and many other fields. For more information please visit www.mitchellhamline.edu.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President and Dean will be a collaborative, transparent, and strategic leader who guides faculty, staff, students and processes with empathy and integrity. With a track record of distinguished management and administration, this person must possess a deep commitment to student success and faculty teaching and scholarly engagement and development as well as the organizational and leadership skills necessary to attract and retain human and financial resources. The ideal candidate should have a sophisticated understanding of the changing landscape of legal education, respect and appreciation for shared governance, fundraising experience, and a strong commitment to Mitchell Hamline School of Law's role as an innovator in legal education.

What's Going on at Florida Coastal?

The ABA recently notified Florida Coastal School of Law (the last surviving InfiLaw school) that it was rejecting FCSL's application for a major change to convert to non-profit status.  This may have precipitated a leadership shakeup at the school.  Yesterday it was announced internally that Academic Dean Jennifer Reiber was returning to her post on the faculty and today Dean Scott DeVito apparently quit.  No word if he was pushed out or left voluntarily.  I tried to reach out to him for comment through his FCSL email and got this Autoreply: "Thank you for reaching out to me. Scott DeVito is no longer employed by Florida Coastal School of Law."  Normally, when Deans step down they rejoin the faculty, but it doesn't seem like that happened here.  So, what is the next step for Florida Coastal?  Who is running the school right now? Why did the ABA reject their application to convert to non-profit status?   If I learn of any developments, I will let you know.  In the meantime, if anyone has any insights, please share them in the comments (or email me at dfrakt@flagler.edu).

 

Interestingly, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School also has a pending application with the ABA to convert to non-profit status.  I wonder if they will have better luck with the ABA than Florida Coastal.

 

UPDATE:  I still don't know why Dean DeVito stepped down, but he reached out to me via e-mail and stated "my leaving had nothing do with the ABA decision."   Stay tuned...

 

UPDATE 2: I am hearing rumors that students are not receiving their federal student loans at FCSL.  This could be a real problem for FCSL if not resolved quickly.

 

UPDATE 3:  I am getting reports that former Academic Dean Jennifer Reiber has been named Interim Dean and that Peter Goplerud, a former Dean of FCSL and most recently President of FCSL's failed InfiLaw sister school Arizona Summit, is being brought in as President of FCSL.  Could that be the reason Scott DeVito decided to leave?

Michael Yelnosky Stepping Down as Dean of Roger Williams Law

Dean Michael Yelnosky has announced that he will step down from his position and return to the faculty of Roger Williams Law at the end of this school year.  He became dean in 2014.  Yelnosky is a founding faculty member of the law school, having joined the RWU community in 1993.