POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Dean
School of Law


Southern Illinois University School of Law invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean.

A school "founded in the public interest to serve the public good," the SIU School of Law seeks a proven leader with the energy and vision to take the institution in exciting new directions identified by the faculty during its recent self-study. The School of Law combines creative programs and talented faculty to offer a first-rate legal education.

Since its founding in 1973, the School of Law has developed into an institution that attracts highly qualified students from all over the United States as well as other countries. In addition to a relatively low tuition that allows students to pursue whatever legal career they choose, the School of Law offers one of the best student-faculty ratios in the nation and a legal curriculum that is rigorous, innovative, and hands-on.

The School of Law has been nationally recognized for both its Lawyering Skills program and the SIU Center for Health Law and Policy. The School of Law received the ABA Gambrell Professionalism Award for its model Professional Development program and was one of the first law schools in the country to implement a writing across the curriculum program. Due in large part to a comprehensive Academic Support program, the School of Law's graduates have consistently exceeded the average passing rate on state bar examinations.

Continuing its tradition of curricular innovation, the School of Law recently implemented new programs with the Missouri Public Defenders' Office and various state legislative agencies in Springfield, Illinois, that will provide our students with specialized experiential learning opportunities. The School of Law has also partnered with the University of Missouri-Kansas City in a summer studies program in Ireland.

As a law school affiliated with a Carnegie-classified high research public university, the School of Law also offers many opportunities for interdisciplinary study, through which we attract exceptional students. Foremost among them, we have partnered with the SIU School of Medicine to offer our students a joint MD/JD degree and with the College of Business to offer an MBA/JD. Additionally, in 2003, the School of Law initiated an LL.M. program and a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program.

In addition to its vibrant and challenging curriculum, the School of Law has a faculty that is energetic and productive, making a name for itself on a national level with scholarship that makes a difference. Many faculty members have been involved in international programs, with several receiving Fulbright scholarships to teach and study in countries such as China and Lithuania. Our faculty is also committed
to public service, serving on many state and national committees. Several faculty members have been recognized with state and national awards for their professional and pro bono activities.

The School of Law is located in Carbondale, Illinois, a classic university town located 90 miles southeast of St. Louis on the edge of the magnificent Shawnee National Forest. The area offers a diverse array of cultural, social, and recreational activities that reflect the richness of Sifts national and international student body and faculty and the physical beauty of the campus and surrounding area.

The School of Law recently completed a self-study process, during which it identified specific goals to guide it over the next several years. Some of those goals, such as increasing experiential learning opportunities, are already being implemented. Others, such as expanding our physical facilities, require longer term planning and implementation.

The School of Law is looking for an outstanding individual to lead us as we pursue our dynamic vision of legal education in the twenty-first century.


POSITION DESCRIPTION

As the chief executive officer of the School of Law, the Dean works with the law faculty in the development and maintenance of the School of Law's programs and policies. The duties of the Dean include:

  1. Providing leadership to advance the School of Law's mission of providing "a rigorous, high-value legal education that prepares our students for the challenges of a twenty-first century legal career" with affordable tuition rates that enable students "to go wherever their dreams might take them."
     
  2. Implementation of the goals identified in the School of Law's 2008 Self-Study, including:

a. Developing semester-away programs and expanding experiential learning opportunities in both the first-year and
    upper-level curriculum.

b. Developing resources to enhance and support faculty scholarship, such as individualized teaching assignments,
    appointment of a faculty scholarship coordinator, and other pre-tenure and post-tenure incentives.

c. Advancing the School of Law's commitment to excellence through the active recruitment and retention of an
    outstanding and diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

d. Improving the School of Law's technology, information resources, and facilities, including remodeling and adding
    on to the law building.

  1. Serving as chief administrative officer of the School of Law, which includes responsibility for:

a. managing the School of Law's finances, including development and implementation of the School of Law's budget
    and effective fundraising programs;

b. supervising, evaluating, and promoting the advancement and well-being of the School of Law's personnel;

c. serving as the School of Law's liaison to a variety of outside constituencies, including the Vice-Chancellor for
    Academic Affairs, the University community, alumni, and the bar;

d. supervising the development and implementation of student services, including recruitment, counseling, financial
    assistance, and placement;

e. developing an effective administrative system to implement policies and programs formulated within the School
    of Law; and

f. assuring that the affairs of the School of Law are conducted in accordance with all relevant state statutes,
   regulations, directives of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, by-laws and decisions of the SIU Board of
   Trustees, University policies, and the School of Law's operating papers.
 

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

  1. A J.D. or equivalent degree from a nationally accredited law school and qualifications meriting appointment to the rank of full Professor with tenure in the School of Law, including an outstanding record as a teacher and scholar.
     
  2. Administrative experience, preferably at the law school level, including experience with administrative responsibilities such as budget, planning, personnel, student matters, and promotion and tenure review, or substantially similar matters.
     
  3. Commitment to academic values, including excellence in teaching and research, academic freedom, and university and community service by those within the School of Law.
     
  4. Commitment to providing quality legal education at a small, student-centered public law school, which includes an awareness of proven methodology, the ethics of the profession, and new trends, ideas, and concepts.
     
  5. Commitment to the value of diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, specifically inclusion of women and minorities in the law, and a record of superior character and ethical behavior throughout the applicant's career.
     
  6. Ability to provide effective leadership within a university environment. This includes the interpersonal skills and sensitivities needed to relate to and develop productive relationships with faculty, staff, and students within the School of Law and the university community, while promoting a positive image of the School of Law to the bar, public, and legal academy.
     
  7. Ability to develop and implement successful fundraising programs.
     

This is a security-sensitive position. A pre-employment background investigation, including a criminal background check, is required.

For more information, please visit the Dean Search Committee's website at http://law.siu.edu/deansearch2009.

Effective Date of Appointment: July 1, 2010

Application Deadline: October 23, 2009, or until position is filled.

Application Procedure: Letters of nomination should include information regarding the nominee's position, address, telephone number, and overall qualifications. Applications should include a letter of interest and resume that details interest, qualifications, and relevant experience. Nominations and applications may be submitted on line at http://www.law.siu.edu/employment/, or by mail. The letter should be addressed to:
 

Professor W. Eugene Basanta
Dean Search Committee
Mail Code 6804
Southern Illinois University School of Law
1150 Douglas Drive
Carbondale, Illinois 62901



SIUC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that strives to enhance its
 ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a
 diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and
 will receive consideration.