Dean of the College of Law

West Virginia University (WVU) invites nominations and applications for an innovative and charismatic William J. Maier, Jr. Dean of the College of Law. As a land-grant institution designated with very high research activity (R1) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, WVU seeks a leader with a vision that places a priority on community, educational rigor, traditional and applied scholarship, global presence, and the public interest, particularly in service to the state through clinics, pro-bono, and public-interest opportunities.

The Dean is the College's chief academic and administrative officer and reports to the incoming Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Beverly Wendland. As the College's chief academic officer, the Dean provides intellectual and administrative leadership, guiding the College in its commitment to innovative, relevant education for current and future generations of students. Specifically, the Dean's responsibilities include consulting with and empowering faculty to revise and develop curricula; maintaining high standards of teaching, research, and service; administering the College's budget; recruiting faculty; taking a leading role in other faculty personnel matters, including tenure, promotion, and renewal; and advocating for the College at the University and national level.

The next dean must be visionary, politically astute, committed to public service, and possess the enthusiasm and emotional intelligence necessary to advance WVU Law and inspire its multiple constituencies. The ideal candidate will possess proven experience as an innovative, collaborative, and accomplished leader with a successful record of advancing complex organizations or institutions. Such experience may have been gained on the bench, before the judiciary, in government or non-profit service, in business, or academe. The new dean must prioritize and be able to maintain and develop good relations with legislators, the Bar, state agencies, alumni, and donors. Candidates must possess a J.D. or its equivalent from an accredited institution and a record of accomplishments (academic or experiential) to qualify for appointment at the rank of Professor.