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George Mason University ("George Mason" or the "University"), the largest public research university in the Commonwealth of Virginia, seeks an inspiring, dynamic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Dean of the Antonin Scalia Law School ("Scalia Law" or the "School"). Consistently ranked among the nation's most innovative universities by U.S. News and World Report, the University is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and enjoys unparalleled access to the federal government, international organizations, and major corporations. Scalia Law has built a distinctive academic mission, a strong and impactful scholarly culture, and a faculty recognized for its productivity and influence. The School is on a strong, upward trajectory, thanks to its location, expanding financial resources, and relationships with the federal and state judiciary, including with several Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Given these exceptional advantages, Scalia Law offers its next Dean a set of compelling opportunities. The Dean will be expected: to sustain and strengthen the School's identity as a community of scholars committed to rigorous, interdisciplinary research and analysis; to uphold its reputation as the law school most committed to civil public discourse and spirited intellectual exchange; and to maintain and deepen its dedication to outstanding legal education and professional development. The next Dean will also work to broaden the School's appeal to a diverse array of constituents, consistent with its mission as a public institution in a state historically committed to access to higher education.

The Dean will have the opportunity to establish academic chairs supported by the Rouse Endowment—created in 2020 to facilitate the recruitment and retention of more than a dozen elite scholars—and to lead the launch of the Foundation for Scalia Law, a new 501(c)(3) entity that will manage contributions to the University for the exclusive benefit of the School. Strengthening collaborative relationships with University leadership, the Board of Visitors, and colleagues across George Mason's many disciplines will be an essential part of the role. Equally important will be continued attention to student success, proactive stewardship of financial and human capital, and the cultivation of strong ties with the School's alumni.

George Mason seeks a Dean who can inspire faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors to elevate the School's already strong momentum. The successful candidate will demonstrate distinguished intellectual leadership and encourage the continued production of influential legal scholarship. The candidate will have the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills necessary to motivate the School's community; to deepen Scalia Law's integration within the University and its connection to the public it serves; and to build relationships with alumni, donors, civic leaders, and members of the bench and bar.

The next Dean must also understand Scalia Law's distinctive academic tradition, which has played a central role in its rapid rise. The successful candidate will be able to position the School to compete effectively for top students and faculty, even against institutions with larger endowments or more established reputations. Entrepreneurial and organizational skill will be essential to successfully launching the Foundation for Scalia Law and developing other promising initiatives. The Dean will leverage the School's unique reputation and location to expand collaboration with Justices of the U.S. and Virginia Supreme Courts, federal and state judges, Members of Congress, and regulatory agencies. The School seeks a leader who will project optimism and recognize that, in today's academic environment, stasis invites decline while thoughtful innovation is essential to advancement and excellence.

The University, through Provost Dr. James Antony, has appointed a twelve-member Search Committee—chaired by Kenneth S. Ball, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing—to conduct this search and advise on the appointment of the next Dean of Scalia Law. WittKieffer, a global executive search firm, has been retained to assist the Search Committee.

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 February 16, 2026.

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