A flurry of law school dean appointments and reappointments have occurred over the last month. Some of these announcements have been reported before on this blog, but from April alone this includes:
- April Barton was reappointed as dean of Duquesne University Kline School of Law. Dean Barton has served as dean of the law school since 2019. Duquesne Kline Law Dean April Barton Reappointed, Duquesne Univ., May 10, 2026.
- After five years of service, Troy McKenzie announced that he will step down as dean of NYU Law in 2027. Dean Troy McKenzie Announces That He Will Step Down in 2027, NYU Law, May 7, 2026
- Antony Page was named the new dean of the Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University. Dean Page previously served as the dean of Florida International University College of Law. Antony Page to Lead Fowler School of Law as Dean, Chapman News, May 5, 2026.
- Lonnie Brown Jr. was named the dean of Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. Dean Brown previously served as dean of the Winston College of Law at the University of Tennessee. Lonnie T. Brown Jr. named Kean Family Dean of the Beasley School of Law, Temple Now, May 1, 2026
- Retired Vice Admiral Darse E. “Del” Crandall, Jr. was appointed dean of the School of Law at the University of North Dakota. Del Crandall Named Dean of School of Law, UND Today, April 26, 2026.
- Deborah Farringer was appointed dean of Belmont University College of Law. Belmont University Appoints Deborah R. Farringer as New Dean of Belmont Law, Belmont.edu, April 13, 2026.
- Erwin Chemerinsky‘s tenure as dean was extended until 2029. Erwin Chemerinsky’s Berkeley Law Deanship Extended Through June 2029, UC Berkeley Law, April 13, 2026.
- North Carolina Central University appointed Joseph Karl Grant as dean of the School of Law. NCCU School of Law Begins New Chapter with Joseph Karl Grant, NCCU, April 6, 2026.
- Jason Kreag was appointed dean of the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. Jason Kreag Appointed Dean of James E. Rogers College of Law, Univ. of Arizona, April 6, 2026.
And significant coverage continues over the controversial appointment at the University of Kentucky of Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove over the law faculty’s objections. See, e.g., Adah Hufana, Gov. Beshear Continues Critique of UK Leadership, Kentucky Kernel, May 6, 2026; Monica Kast and Jesse Fraga, UK President Defends Law School Dean. University Board Wants More Transparency, Lexington Herald Leader, April 24, 2026; Joe Patrice, Kentucky Law School’s Dean Fight Is A Dumpster Fire, Above The Law, April 22, 2026; Killian Baarlaer, UK faculty Opposed Naming Federal Judge Dean of Law School, Louisville Courier Journal, April 21, 2026.




