Dean School of Law

St. Mary's University Dean of the School of Law

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist St. Mary's University in its search for Dean of the School of Law.

For full consideration, please apply by September 9, 2026.

St. Mary's University, a Catholic and Marianist institution, seeks an accomplished and collaborative leader to serve as Dean of the School of Law. For nearly 175 years, St. Mary's University has prepared ethical leaders committed to service, justice, and the common good. The next Dean will have the opportunity to lead the distinctive Catholic Law School during a defining period of growth, innovation, and institutional momentum.

As the School enters its second century, the next Dean will help shape the future of an institution with a proud history, a growing national profile, and a clear vision for continued excellence.

Enrollment across the School's J.D., Online J.D., and graduate law programs has grown by 20% over the past two years, reflecting increasing demand for St. Mary's distinctive approach to legal education. As the only Catholic law school in Texas, the School continues to distinguish itself through academic excellence and innovation, including launching the nation's first ABA-accredited Online J.D. program. Nationally recognized for its advocacy and trial programs and deeply connected to the Texas bench, bar, and judiciary, the School provides students with exceptional opportunities for experiential learning, professional engagement, and public service.

Located in San Antonio, one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, the School is well positioned to strengthen these partnerships and expand its impact as it approaches its centennial in 2027.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as the School's chief academic and administrative officer and a key member of the University's academic leadership team.

Working alongside dedicated faculty, accomplished alumni, University leadership, and an engaged legal community, the Dean will strengthen the School's reputation, expand its influence, and prepare future lawyers who will lead with integrity, professional excellence, and a commitment to serving others.

• An understanding of legal education in the context of a Catholic and Marianist university and a commitment to advancing the mission of St. Mary's University and the School of Law
• A J.D. or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution
• A record of teaching, scholarship, professional achievement and service appropriate for appointment as a tenured member of the law faculty
• Significant experience in legal education, including an understanding of ABA accreditation standards, bar passage, student success, faculty governance, curriculum and the evolving needs of the legal profession
• Demonstrated administrative leadership experience, including responsibility for personnel supervision, faculty or staff evaluation, budget oversight, planning and resource allocation
• Evidence of the ability to recruit, retain, support, and develop a strong faculty committed to teaching, scholarship, service and student success
• Experience advancing enrollment, academic quality, bar passage, career outcomes, and student support in a complex and competitive legal education environment
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, University leadership, alumni, members of the bench and bar and other external partners
• Experience with assessment, accreditation, program review, strategic planning and data-informed decision-making
• A record of effective external engagement, including alumni relations, advancement, professional partnerships, and public representation of an institution or academic unit
• Evidence of a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, access to legal education, professional formation and the success of all students

St. Mary's University, founded in 1852, is the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest and a Hispanic-Serving Institution grounded in the Catholic and Marianist traditions. The University enrolls approximately 3,500 students across four schools, offering more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including doctoral and professional degrees.

Guided by the five Characteristics of Marianist Universities, St. Mary's integrates rigorous academics with faith, service, leadership, and community, creating an educational experience that prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose and impact. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, experiential learning, and a vibrant campus community that extends to a global network of more than 36,000 alumni.

Nationally recognized for academic quality and value, St. Mary's is ranked the No. 1 Best Value School in the West and has been recognized among the region's top universities by U.S. News & World Report for more than three decades.

Founded in 1927, the St. Mary's…