Dean School of Law

Dean of the School of Law

University of Arkansas – Sam M. Walton College of Business

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.

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.

• Develop and implement academic and research programs.
• Lead fundraising and advancement initiatives.
• Execute strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation.
• Support faculty and staff development, student recruitment, retention, and academic support.
• Foster alumni engagement and external partnerships.
• Promote a culture of shared governance, transparency, and integrity.

• Superior management, communication, interpersonal, budget, and strategic planning skills.
• Successful record of leadership experience.
• Collaborative approach to management and leadership.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience engaging with diverse student populations.
• Experience managing complex budgets and implementing innovative funding initiatives.
• Experience with major fundraising initiatives and ability to represent the university with alumni and donors.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to student success, scholarship, and academic excellence.
• Active listening, broad engagement, and commitment to collaboration and transparency in decision‑making.
• Motivation for developing external relationships and community engagement, including bar associations.

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 would warrant appointment as a full professor with tenure at the University of Arkansas.

Interested applicants should visit the University of Arkansas System Career website and upload the following materials:

• Detailed cover letter explaining interest in the position.
• Current curriculum vitae (CV).
• 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.

Nominations and questions about the position should be directed to Brian Raines, search chair and Dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at ldsearch.

Recruitment Contact Information:
Kaleb Turner; chief of staff in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Commensurate with education and experience.

• Criminal Background Check
• Financial Credit Check
• Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns regarding Title IX may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.