The search for the next dean of the School of Law is underway. Dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Brian Raines is the chair of the search committee.

The next dean of the law school will succeed Cynthia Nance, who was appointed to serve as dean of the School of Law through June 2026.  Nance first served as dean of the School of Law from 2006 to 2011 and was reappointed in July 2022.

"I look forward to working with Dean Raines and the search committee to fill this vital role on campus," said Provost Indrajeet Chaubey. "Dr. Raines became the dean of Fulbright College last summer, and he has a unique perspective on the market, what appeals to top-tier candidates, and the attributes we need to seek to fulfill the requirements of this important position. With his expertise and exceptional guidance, I'm confident we will find the person who is best suited to lead the law school and advance our university."

The next dean of the School of Law will be a dynamic, forward-thinking individual who brings vision, energy, and a strong record of achievement in legal education and administration. In addition, this critical leadership position 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.

The search for the dean of the School of Law is a national search. Individuals interested in the position can view the job description and apply here. Full consideration will be given to applications received by Sept. 19. Campus interviews are likely to be held in early November 2025.

The search committee for the dean of the School of Law includes the following members:

• Brian Raines, search chair and dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
• Daniel Bousquet, assistant professor in the School of Law
• Suzanne Clark, attorney at Clark Law Firm, PLLC
• Blair Druhan Bullock, assistant professor in the School of Law
• Erin Feller, director of development and external relations in the School of Law
• Will Foster, professor in the School of Law
• Edgar Hernandez, attorney at Pearson, Sholk, and Hernandez Law
• Kennedy Hill, 3L student in the School of Law
• Sarah Hudson, manager of government and regulatory affairs at FedEx
• John Dan Kemp, former chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court
• Ann Mallat Killenbeck, professor in the School of Law
• Sonya Mayner, circulation and interlibrary loan manager in the School of Law
• Bobby Shepherd, judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• Annie Smith, professor in the School of Law
• Kaleb Turner (support), chief of staff in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

To learn more about this position and the search process, visit the School of Law dean search website.

---

About the University of Arkansas School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. and is home to the nation's first LL.M. program in agriculture and food law. Led by nationally recognized faculty, the school offers students exceptional opportunities in pro bono work, live-client clinics, public service fellowships, competitions and much more. It also has a rich history and tradition of leadership—from admitting the Six Pioneers, the first African American students to attend a Southern law school without a court order, to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors and faculty members who have gone on to serve as President of the United States and Secretary of State. Follow us at @uarklaw.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.