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The University of Arkansas School of Law is seeking a transformative academic leader to serve as its next dean. The ideal candidate will elevate the law school’s profile on a local, regional and national level as part of Arkansas’ flagship, land-grant university and will demonstrate a strong commitment to legal scholarship, professional development, and public service.
Position Overview and Key Responsibilities
This position is a critical leadership opportunity for a dynamic, forward-thinking individual who brings vision, energy, and a strong record of achievement in legal education and administration. The next dean will play a major role in setting the school’s strategic direction, enhancing the school's national visibility, sustaining academic excellence, fostering student success, and cultivating strong, collaborative relationships on campus and with external stakeholders.
The dean will serve as the chief academic and administrative leader of the School of Law and will report directly to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The dean will provide overall leadership and administrative oversight for the School of Law, including the development and implementation of academic and research programs, fundraising and advancement initiatives, strategic planning, budget management, faculty and staff development, student recruitment, retention and support, alumni engagement, and external partnerships with government, nonprofit, and corporate entities.
This role requires a visionary leader who values shared governance, transparency, and integrity of the highest degree.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess the following important attributes:
- Superior management, communication, interpersonal, budget, and strategic planning skills,
- A successful record of leadership experience,
- A collaborative approach to management and leadership,
- Demonstrated cultural competency and experience engaging with an array of different student populations and the ability to effectively engage with students and address their concerns,
- Experience managing complex budgets and a demonstrated ability to introduce and implement innovative funding initiatives,
- Experience with major fundraising initiatives and an ability to represent the university compellingly with alumni and donors on behalf of the School of Law,
- An ability to communicate effectively and build and maintain relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders and state policymakers,
- A commitment to student success and supporting student scholarship and excellence inside and outside of the classroom,
- Committed to active listening and broad engagement, including a commitment to collaboration and transparency in decision-making,
- Interest and motivation for developing external relationships and actively participate in community engagement, to include local, state and national bar associations.
Education and Faculty Rank Requirements
The dean must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a record of recognized scholarly achievement and/or exceptional professional achievement that, in any case, would warrant appointment as a full professor with tenure at the University of Arkansas in their respective field of study.
Compensation
The University of Arkansas provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package for this executive role. Benefits include employer-supported health, dental, and life insurance; state retirement contributions; tuition waivers for employees and their dependents; 12 official holidays; and generous leave programs. Additional benefits related to relocation and professional development may be offered.
Applications
Interested applicants should visit the University of Arkansas System Career website and upload the following materials:
- A detailed cover letter explaining interest in the position
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
- A list of five professional references, including full contact information
Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials. The position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by September 19 will receive full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.