The University of Tulsa announced Tuesday that Oren R. Griffin has been named dean of TU’s College of Law. He will assume his new duties Jan. 1, 2022.
Griffin currently serves as associate dean for strategic initiatives at Mercer University School of Law in Macon, Georgia. He has held that position for six years and previously served as associate dean for academic affairs for five years.
“It is a privilege and honor to be invited to serve as the next dean at The University of Tulsa College of Law,” Griffin said. “I look forward to joining the TU Law community and working with the outstanding faculty and staff to continue the recruitment and education of bright and engaging students seeking to pursue a career in the legal profession.”
Griffin received his J.D. from Washington & Lee University and his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern University at New Orleans and his master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
Griffin began his academic career as an assistant professor of law at Mercer in 2006. Before that, he served as a labor and employment attorney with law firms based in Atlanta, Georgia, and Kalamazoo, Michigan.
“Oren has served as a valued teacher, administrator, mentor and practicing attorney. His experience in academia and the private sector is an outstanding combination that will benefit the college and our students,” TU President Brad R. Carson said. “Oren has a reputation as someone who actively builds consensus and can get things done. In his current role, he is highly regarded by faculty, students and fellow administrators, and we anticipate great things under his leadership at TU’s College of Law.”
Griffin’s scholarship and teaching focuses on civil procedure, education law, employment law and alternative dispute resolution. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences for organizations such as the Stetson University College of Law National Conference on Law and Higher Education, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Officers. He has authored numerous articles and manuscripts regarding employment law, risk management, disability and higher education policy. Moreover, Griffin is the author of Investigating College Student Misconduct, published by the Johns Hopkins University Press (2018). He is a renowned champion of social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion, and, at Mercer, he served as an advocate for the Black Law Students Association and the Association of Women Law Students. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the state bar associations of Georgia and Michigan.
“I am delighted to welcome Oren Griffin as the next dean of the TU College of Law,” said Betsy McCormick, interim dean of the law school. “His vision for the College of Law is driven by a strong belief that administrators, faculty and staff are stronger and more effective through collective action and cooperation. He is committed to building on the college’s strong academic reputation and appreciation for diversity and inclusion. As we approach the TU Law centennial in 2023, I am confident Dean Griffin will bring inspiring and innovative leadership to ensure success for our students and alumni.”
McCormick has led TU Law since Dean Lyn Entzeroth stepped down July 31 to return to the faculty. Entzeroth served as dean for more than six years, during which she grew enrollment numbers and tuition revenue while expanding clinical offerings.
“I appreciate the commitment Lyn and Betsy have shown to our law students and alumni, who have benefitted from their work to provide experiential opportunities as well as exceptional preparedness for legal careers,” Carson said. “TU Law is in a great position to hand the reins to a new dean thanks to Lyn, Betsy and other administrators who have worked so tirelessly.”