In deaning news, Dean Danielle Conway is returning to faculty as a Distinguished Professor of Law after a tremendously impactful seven years as dean at Penn State Dickinson Law (and an impressive 11 years tenure as a dean combined).

While legal academia regains a distinguished scholar and teacher, Dean Conway returning to faculty is a tremendous loss for Penn State and for the national law dean community. Dean Conway has become known as one of the most effective leaders in legal education and a sought-after speaker for her insights into changes occurring in higher education and the profession. In addition to leading Penn State Dickinson Law through the pandemic, navigating the complex and historic reunification of two law schools, and establishing the innovative Antiracist Development Institute at Penn State, Dean Conway has been a dean among deans and a leader among leaders. She has served as the president of the Association of American Law Schools, as a member of the national Deans Steering Committee, as a board member of AccessLex Institute, and as a member of The American Law Institute. During her deanship, she received awards for her national contributions and impact and, earlier this year, she was named to the list of the most influential people in legal education.

Dean Conway led Penn State Dickinson Law with extraordinary distinction and elevated its reputation. Her leadership was transformative for the school, and her profound commitment to excellence and equity has been simply unshakeable. Her mentorship and carry-as-you-climb approach has inspired others to take on leadership roles. Faculty, former students, deans, and other leaders joined in congratulating Dean Conway after learning of her return to faculty. Reflecting on her deanship and her contributions, she was described as “one of one,” a dean who led with integrity and who “showed it constantly,” as “one of the most impactful leaders… not only as a lawyer or military officer, but as a person,” a “luminary who . . . [is] admired tremendously,” as “an inspiring leader” who “led with grace and dignity,” and as “an exceptional leader, colleague, and mentor.” Others thanked her for her “dedication and commitment” to Penn State Dickinson Law and to excellence in legal education. Others conveyed “best wishes on the many great adventures to come” while many looked forward to “raising a glass” to celebrate her accomplishments as dean. The consensus was to extend congratulations to Dean Conway on “a job very well done,” and for her long record of achievement.