2008 Woodie Awards
Law School appoints U. Richmond professor to dean's position
Christina Pratt
Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: News
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The Law Dean Search Committee has appointed Rod Smolla Dean of the Law School. Smolla, who is currently Dean and Professor of Law at the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, will succeed Acting Dean Brian C. Murchison on July 1.
The eight month, nationwide search commenced in July after the resignation of David Partlett, who served for five years as Dean of the Law School. The search committee looked at over 250 people before interviewing 11 candidates.
The 13 member committee, headed by President Ruscio, boasted representation from law and undergraduate faculty, the board of trustees, the law council, alumni and the student body.
The search was narrowed down to four finalist after the interviews. The finalist were then hosted on campus for another round of interviews this past January, explained Dean John Keyser, who served as Vice Chair of the search committee.
"In the end, it was Dean Smolla's commitment to the values of the University and the School of Law and his ability to advance those values that carried the day. We are privileged to have him join us." said President Ruscio.
Smolla comes to W&L after nine years in Richmond, four as a dean. He is regarded as one of top public law scholars in the country as well as a renowned writer who has been widely published. His book, Deliberate Intent, was made into a television movie by Fox and the FX Cable Network.
He is an honored scholar and teacher as well as a nationally prominent advocate. He specializes in cases involving the First Amendment. "He is comfortable speaking to high school classes one day and arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court the next." adds President Ruscio.
Acting Dean Brian Murchison calls Smolla brilliant, adding "He is a tremendous communicator and one who values the kind of student-centered educational program we have at W&L." When Smolla arrives this summer Murchison will happily go back to his position as the Rowe Professor in Law and Journalism.
The eight month, nationwide search commenced in July after the resignation of David Partlett, who served for five years as Dean of the Law School. The search committee looked at over 250 people before interviewing 11 candidates.
The 13 member committee, headed by President Ruscio, boasted representation from law and undergraduate faculty, the board of trustees, the law council, alumni and the student body.
The search was narrowed down to four finalist after the interviews. The finalist were then hosted on campus for another round of interviews this past January, explained Dean John Keyser, who served as Vice Chair of the search committee.
"In the end, it was Dean Smolla's commitment to the values of the University and the School of Law and his ability to advance those values that carried the day. We are privileged to have him join us." said President Ruscio.
Smolla comes to W&L after nine years in Richmond, four as a dean. He is regarded as one of top public law scholars in the country as well as a renowned writer who has been widely published. His book, Deliberate Intent, was made into a television movie by Fox and the FX Cable Network.
He is an honored scholar and teacher as well as a nationally prominent advocate. He specializes in cases involving the First Amendment. "He is comfortable speaking to high school classes one day and arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court the next." adds President Ruscio.
Acting Dean Brian Murchison calls Smolla brilliant, adding "He is a tremendous communicator and one who values the kind of student-centered educational program we have at W&L." When Smolla arrives this summer Murchison will happily go back to his position as the Rowe Professor in Law and Journalism.
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