The University of Arizona (U of A) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the James E. Rogers College of Law (College of Law). This is a pivotal opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader to guide one of the nation's most innovative public law schools into its next era of excellence and impact.
A Carnegie R1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of Arizona is recognized as a top-tier public research university, serving more than 56,000 students across a vibrant academic community. Located in Tucson, a culturally rich and dynamic city, the university fosters cutting-edge scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and artistic expression.
The College of Law is a cornerstone of the university's academic excellence, with a legacy spanning more than 100 years. Its rigorous and forward-looking JD program prepares students for success across a broad spectrum of legal careers. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, personalized instruction, and strong employment outcomes, all while maintaining a commitment to affordability, resulting in significantly lower graduate debt compared to many peer institutions.
The College of Law is home to nationally recognized programs in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, Environmental Law, Constitutional Law, and Legal Writing. It offers flexible degree pathways, from an undergraduate law program in partnership with the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to a doctoral-level education. The College of Law's faculty are nationally recognized scholars. Their research and insights extend well beyond the classroom, ensuring that students receive an education that is both current and grounded in enduring legal principles. The JD program's low student-to-faculty ratio (4.5:1) ensures that professors have the time and capacity to serve as true mentors. Faculty work closely with students outside of class, collaborate on research and projects, and provide personalized guidance on academic and career development.
The College of Law fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, where students from all backgrounds learn to engage constructively across differences. As one of just two law schools across Arizona, the College of Law also enjoys a deep connection to the bench and bar. Graduates become leaders in the legal profession throughout Arizona, one of the most rapidly growing states, and beyond. The College of Law's alumni, comprising more than 7,000 graduates living in every state and more than 40 countries, go on to become leaders in law practice, government, public interest, and business. Whether their title is governor, CEO, judge, trial attorney, or anything else, the College of Law's alumni have made a habit of using the law to profoundly influence their communities and their profession.
The next Dean will be charged with articulating a bold and compelling vision for the College of Law's future, strengthening the JD program, fostering vibrant intellectual life and scholarly productivity, enhancing academic excellence, improving bar passage results, and expanding external partnerships. The Dean will work closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituents to elevate the College of Law's national profile and deepen its contributions to the legal academy and society. This is a moment of opportunity for a leader who is passionate about shaping the future of legal education and committed to stewarding a vibrant academic community toward its next chapter of distinction. More information can be found at wittkieffer.com.
Candidates must hold a JD and possess a distinguished record of scholarship, professional accomplishment, teaching, and service that qualifies them for appointment as a tenured full professor. Leadership experience in legal education is strongly preferred, along with demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic and financial planning and oversight, management, and community engagement.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January, 9th, 2026.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Arizona in this search. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Werner Boel, LL.M., Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., and Ashlee Musser
ArizonaLawDean@wittkieffer.com
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action(qualified veterans/people with disabilities) institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its programs and activities. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, the University of Arizona does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the University's Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education, Assistant Secretary, or both.
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