Dean of the School of Law

The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD invites nominations and applications for the Dean of the School of Law. The Dean reports to the Provost and is a senior level administrator.

USD Law, South Dakota's premier and only law school, seeks an energetic, confident leader with a deep knowledge of the legal academy to serve as its Dean. The Dean will also be a capable executive with skills in fundraising and development, as well as in fiscal and human resource management. The Dean must possess the strategic acumen and personal leadership style necessary to inspire its faculty and students to continue advancement of the School of Law as part of USD.

USD Law is an intimate law school that combines a practical curriculum with a uniquely personal and engaging learning environment that prepares students for the practice of law in a changing world. Established in 1901, USD Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS). The School of Law offers several specialized course tracks and nine joint degree programs that operate in conjunction with other Master’s degree programs at USD, as well as three dual degree programs offered in partnership with Vermont Law School. The USD Law faculty and staff are leaders in their respective fields, adding first-rate quality and diverse expertise to the USD Law program. Students at USD law will find an opportunity to study in a close-knit, cooperative environment. As the only law school in the state of South Dakota, it is USD Law's task to populate the legal infrastructure of South Dakota for the benefit of its residents. Currently, there are far more law jobs in South Dakota than USD Law can fill. All of USD Law's innovative efforts in legal education have taken the school on a strong upward trajectory as recognized by a recent 14-spot leap in U.S. News & World Report rankings. More information is available at www.usd.edu/law.

The successful candidate will, at minimum, possess a J.D. degree or its equivalent and will have an outstanding record of accomplishment in the legal academy and/or in the practice of law that warrants appointment as a tenured Professor of Law. In addition to a record of academic and professional accomplishment, the successful candidate will have demonstrated a commitment to service to the legal profession and the public, and will offer a proven record in management or administration suitable for appointment as Dean.

Founded in 1862 on the banks of the Missouri River in Vermillion, South Dakota, USD is the state’s flagship institution and its designated liberal arts university. USD is home to the state’s only medical and law schools as well as the state’s first and longest-standing College of Fine Arts. It also houses the Beacom School of Business, School of Education, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Health Sciences, and the state’s largest Graduate School. With an enrollment exceeding 10,000 students and employing more than 400 faculty members, USD has a strong commitment to student outcomes and success. USD is part of a system of six universities governed by a nine-member Board of Regents.

The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, expressions of interest, or applications and they may be sent to Werner Boel, LL.M., Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D. and Sophie Stava, the Witt/Kieffer consultants assisting USD Law with this search, at USDLawDean@wittkieffer.com. Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. A complete application will include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for five professional references. This search will be conducted with respect for the confidentiality of candidates; references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of the candidate. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application before November 5, 2018. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Search Committee. The anticipated starting date for the new dean is July 1, 2019.

The University of South Dakota shall offer equal opportunities in employment and for access to and participation in educational, extension and other institutional services to all persons qualified by academic preparation, experience, and ability for the various levels of employment or academic program or other institutional service, without discrimination based on sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status or on any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources, Office of Equal Opportunity, http://www. usd.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity.