Dean

Arizona State University seeks applications and nominations for the next Dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law (ASU Law).

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has emerged as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking public law schools in the United States. Building on a foundation of innovation, interdisciplinary engagement, and public impact, ASU Law has expanded its academic offerings, strengthened student outcomes, and increased its visibility across the legal academy and profession. Recent years have brought growth in graduate and non-JD offerings and deepened collaboration across the University in areas such as technology, health, and sustainability. The College just welcomed its inaugural cohort of students in its first-of-its-kind online JD program in January 2026. These developments and innovations have positioned ASU Law as a leader in rethinking how legal education is delivered and applied.

The next Dean will join at a pivotal point in the College’s trajectory. With a broad portfolio of initiatives now in place, the work ahead centers on sharpening institutional focus and guiding the next phase of development with clarity and discipline. This includes aligning innovation with a coherent academic identity, sustaining excellence through growth, and ensuring that its expanding array of programs and partnerships reinforce, rather than diffuse, its distinctive strengths. The Dean will build on this foundation to continue translating its achievements into national influence and reputation.

This role offers a significant leadership opportunity at one of the nation’s most innovative public universities. The Dean will work closely with University leadership and an engaged community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni to advance ASU Law’s mission in the spirit of the ASU Charter. As the only law school in Phoenix and a central contributor to the state’s legal, civic, and policy landscape, ASU Law occupies a uniquely influential position in Arizona and the region. The Dean will shape how legal education, scholarship, and public engagement intersect with the state’s evolving needs. This will include bolstering the pipeline of legal talent, supporting access to justice, and engaging with courts, policymakers, and communities across Arizona and the country. In doing so, the Dean will help define the next phase of the College’s evolution while contributing in meaningful ways to the broader legal and civic fabric of the state, positioning ASU Law as both a national leader and the essential public institution of Arizona. This work will involve addressing the following key opportunities and challenges:

• Define a clear vision for ASU Law’s next phase of growth, identity, and impact;

• Work effectively within a large, dynamic university to advance the College’s priorities and strengthen collaboration across ASU;

• Strengthen the scholarly enterprise and steward the evolution of the faculty;

• Advance student success in a shifting legal education and employment landscape;

• Preserve ASU Law’s collegial culture while building a more integrated and resilient organization; and

• Elevate ASU Law’s national influence, reputation, and external partnerships.

Arizona State University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. For best consideration, please submit materials no later than August 31, 2026.

David Bellshaw is leading this search with Jaime Morgen, Evan Layne, and Kendra Moleé.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please visit: https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html  and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.  ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.