It has been a pleasure to reconnect with so many members of the UTulsa Law community in recent weeks. As the university conducts a national search for the College of Law’s next dean, I am happy to return to the dean’s office on an interim basis and guide the college through this transition.
Having spent much of my academic career at the College of Law, this community means a great deal to me. I am grateful to Marc Roark for his leadership and service during the past year, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation while continuing to do what I enjoy most: working with our students, supporting our faculty and staff and staying connected with the alumni who make this college such a special place.
One of the greatest joys of being back in this role has been spending time with students. Whether in the classroom, at events or in conversation around campus, I continue to be impressed by their curiosity, determination and commitment to making a difference. They remind me every day why legal education matters and why the future of our profession is bright.
I was also delighted to welcome U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to campus earlier this semester as part of the Judge Stephanie K. Seymour Lecture Series. I am grateful to Justice Sotomayor for taking the time to visit UTulsa and engage so thoughtfully with our students. It was a remarkable experience for our law school community and an extraordinary opportunity for students to engage directly with a Supreme Court justice. Watching our students lead those conversations and hearing the thoughtful questions they asked was a proud moment for all of us.
As the search for the next dean moves forward, I am confident in the strength of this law school and optimistic about what lies ahead. Our students continue to succeed, our faculty continue to distinguish themselves through teaching and scholarship, and our alumni continue to make an impact in their communities and across the legal profession.
In the meantime, I’m grateful for the opportunity to steward the college through this transition and to remain connected to the people who make UTulsa Law what it is. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead.