Update on Search for Dean at Washburn Law
Academic periodicals, resumes, interviews, networks and committees. Each of these has played a crucial role in the selection of a new dean for the Washburn University School of Law. Effective July 1, 2001, James Concannon will step down as Dean of Washburn Law School (see related story). Soon thereafter, the school will be under the direction of a new dean for the first time in 13 years.
How is this new dean being chosen? What credentials must this person possess? Who will lead Washburn University School of Law into the 21st century?
Answering each of these questions is not an easy task. However, this is the duty of the Washburn University School of Law Dean Search Committee. The committee, comprised of ten individuals from Washburn Law School and the surrounding community, has worked together throughout the vigorous search process to select several qualified candidates for the dean position.
John Francis, Chair, Dean Search Committe
"I'm very happy with the depth of applicants," said John J. Francis, chair of the Dean Search Committee and director of the Washburn Law Clinic. "We have been able to stay on schedule better than I expected throughout the search."
The initial search for a new dean began during the fall 2000 semester as Washburn placed ads in prominent academic periodicals and law bulletins. Along with networking and information travelling by word of mouth, the committee was able to select a worthy base of candidates for the position.
"Of the resumes we received, one of the selection factors was speaking with the applicants' references." Francis said. "From there we were able to select 10 or 11 people for preliminary interviews."
Five candidates participated in on-campus interviews held during February and March 2001. The candidates had the opportunity to speak with administration, faculty and students, while also touring the campus and community.
Carol Vizzier, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
"I've been pleased with the candidates' abilities to listen to both faculty and students concerns," said Carol Vizzier, Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the Law School. "Their breadth of experience is something that really impressed me."
Remarkably, many on the committee are working in unfamiliar territory, as only three members have been part of a previous search. However, the committee has focused on selecting a candidate with quality characteristics.
"We're looking for someone with a broad range of talent and experience in academic administration," Francis said. "They must have vision, leadership skills and possess a commitment to scholarship and the school."
The charge of the Dean Search Committee is to present reports on each of the five candidates. Ultimately, Washburn University President Jerry Farley and the Washburn Board of Regents will select the new Law School dean.
"If all goes well, we are hoping for a decision by the first of April," Francis said.
Story by Matthew Bergmann
