Dean, School of Law

Western New England University (WNE or the University) seeks nominations and applications for the dean of Western New England School of Law (WNE Law or the Law School). The dean will join an exceptionally collegial community focused on student success and community impact. As the only law school in Western Massachusetts, WNE Law is a school of access and opportunity, offering an array of programs to meet the needs of a diverse student body of full-time, part-time, day, and evening students. The Law School maintains a proud transformational legacy of preparing graduates to enter the legal profession practice-ready and to become advocates and civic leaders within their communities. Building upon the Law School’s traditions of inclusivity, practical training, and community lawyering, the dean will have the opportunity to influence the future of a school where faculty, staff, and students are extraordinarily supportive of one another and committed to making a positive impact on the legal community of Western New England and beyond. 

WNE Law serves as an “opportunity law school” in its region. It has a demonstrated history of offering a pathway to the legal profession for students who are traditionally underrepresented in the field, such as first-generation students and working professionals. WNE Law currently enrolls approximately 395 students in its JD, MS, and LLM programs and offers several areas of concentration. Its more than 8,000 living graduates are actively pursuing meaningful careers in all sectors of the law, primarily within Western New England, one of the most welcoming, progressive, and inclusive regions in the country. 

Leading WNE School of Law is an outstanding opportunity for a highly collaborative, accessible, hands-on, and forward-thinking leader who can inspire a diverse and supportive community of faculty, staff, students, and alums. The dean will be a community-builder who works closely with key stakeholders to help define the next era of the School of Law and address several key priorities, including: 

• Consistently deliver on WNE School of Law’s long-standing commitment to providing access to the legal profession 
• Enhance WNE Law’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across all stakeholder groups
• Advocate for the School of Law and collaborate with partners across the University 
• Invigorate and diversify revenue streams
• Develop and elevate locally, regionally, and nationally a distinctive profile for WNE Law that combines geographic location, student access and success, centers of scholarship excellence, and community engagement and service

 
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications should be submitted below. To be ensured full consideration, please submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae by January 20, 2022. 

Tim McFeeley is leading this search with Karreem Mebane and Mia Carpiniello.