Dean of the College of Law

Northern Illinois University College of Law seeks a proven and dynamic academic leader with a deep knowledge of and commitment to legal education for the position of Dean of NIU Law. 

NIU College of Law is dedicated to offering a high quality, legal education at an affordable price. Located just over an hour from the city of Chicago, NIU College of Law is a vibrant school focused on the student experience, experiential education, serving the public interest, diversity, and promoting collegiality within the law school community. Housed in stately Swen Parson Hall in the heart of the NIU campus, the College offers easy access to the Chicago area in a comfortable and tranquil setting for rigorous academic study. NIU College of Law is particularly proud to have been named a top law school nationally for diversity, value, and careers in public interest and government service. Class sizes are traditionally smaller to foster closer connections between students and faculty. The school’s close-knit community and alumni network also connect students to mentors and legal practitioners in Illinois and across the nation. More information can be found at https://www.niu.edu/law

The dean serves as the chief administrative officer of the college and reports directly to the Executive Vice President and Provost for aspects of the operation of the college, including its instructional, research and scholarly activities, outreach, engagement, and public-service mission. The dean also serves as the senior administrative representative of the college in interacting with internal and external stakeholders. 

The successful candidate must possess a J.D. or equivalent degree and will possess qualifications appropriate to a tenured full professor in the College of Law. Leadership skills necessary to continue the College of Law’s commitment to scholarship and outstanding, student-centered legal education are required, as are skills necessary to develop and enhance the College of Law’s relationships with alumni, the legal profession, the academy, and the larger public it serves. Prior academic administrative experience is preferred but not required. The University actively encourages applications from and nominations of women, minorities, and candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting Northern Illinois University in the search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. A complete application will include a resume, letter addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position’s duties, responsibilities and qualifications, and five references. Submission of materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. All candidate information will be held in strict confidence until the final round of interviews. The anticipated start is Summer of 2020.       

Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should send an email with information about the nominated person to Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. Please include the name, position, address, telephone number and email address of the nominee. 

Confidential inquiries, nomination and application materials should be directed to:

Betty Turner Asher or Lauren McCaghren
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone: 850.650.2277 / Fax: 850.650.2272 
E-mail: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com
E-mail: laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com

For more information on NIU College of Law, visit https://www.niu.edu/law

To view the full position profile, please visit https://www.greenwoodsearch.com/northern-illinois-university-college-of-law

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. NIU recognizes Dual Career issues. Pre-employment background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States are required.