The University of Iowa has named a new College of Law dean nearly a year after initiating a nationwide search.
Longtime faculty member and current interim dean of the College of Law, Todd Pettys, will continue to lead the school for the next two years. The university plans to launch a national search for his successor before Pettys’ term expires in 2027.
Law school dean has served UI for more than 25 years
Pettys has worked for the University of Iowa since 1999 and holds the H. Blair and Joan V. White Chair in Civil Litigation. He has been the interim dean of the school since Jan. 1. He was the college’s associate dean for faculty from 2011 to 2015. Pettys has earned numerous honors for his expertise in constitutional law, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court and is also an elected member of the American Law Institute.
“While serving as interim dean of the College of Law, Todd has demonstrated strong, collaborative leadership that has guided the college through a seamless transition,” said Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost, in a news release. “After conversations with many in the college, it became clear that Todd’s deep institutional knowledge, national reputation, and commitment to the Iowa Law community make him the right person to lead at this time.”
UI identified finalists before putting dean search on pause
In December, the University of Iowa announced that it had “temporarily suspended” its nationwide search for a new dean. Former dean Kevin Washburn announced his resignation in May 2024. Washburn is still a part of the UI faculty and has led the college since 2018.
The university identified three finalists: Rebecca Ernst Zietlow, interim dean of the University of Toledo in Ohio; Melissa Mortazavi, the presidential professor of law at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma; and Lumen (Lou) N. Mulligan, dean and professor of law at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to continue leading Iowa Law during this important time,” said Pettys in a news release. “I look forward to working with our extraordinary community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build on our strengths and continue moving the college forward.”
The university said it needs more time to decide on a full-time dean.
(This article has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The University of Iowa’s College of Law has promoted its interim dean. What to know
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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