Five finalists selected for MU School of Law dean search

COLUMBIA — There are five finalists in the search for a new dean at the MU School of Law.

The search committee began looking for a new dean after R. Lawrence Dessem announced last fall that he will leave the position after the 2011-12 school year, which will be his tenth year as dean. Dessem will then return to teaching full-time.

The finalists are:

• Gary Myers, associate dean for research, professor of law and the Ray & Louise Stewart Lecturer in Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law. 
• Andrew Klein, chief of staff, Office of Chancellor, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Paul E. Beam Professor, Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.
• Robert J. Pushaw Jr., James Wilson Endowed Professor, Pepperdine University School of Law.
• Marcella David, associate dean for international and comparative law; professor of law and international studies, University of Iowa.
• Beverly Moran, professor of law and sociology, Vanderbilt University.

Each candidate will be visiting campus at various times throughout January and February. On the second day of each of their visits there will be a "Meet the Dean" public forum at 4 p.m. in Hulston Hall, Room 6.

While on campus, the candidates will be interviewed by the search committee and attend meetings with other organizations on campus. After all the interviews are finished, a recommendation will be given to Provost Brian L. Foster, who will make the final decision with assistance from MU Chancellor Brady Deaton.

It is expected that the decision will be made by the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.

More information about the candidates and the search process can be found online at law.missouri.edu/deansearch/. Questions and comments can be sent to cookl@missouri.edu.