Open Searches

The University of North Dakota is seeking candidates for the position of Dean of the School of Law. Located on an active 516-acre campus in Grand Forks, ND, a vibrant college town of 60,000 residents, UND has a student enrollment of over 15,000 and offers more than 225 fields of study across nine colleges. UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has achieved the Carnegie classification of Very High Research Activity (R1) with over $182 million in research expenditures.

Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean is the leader of the state’s only law school. The Dean will provide leadership and facilitate an environment for accomplishing strategic goals, as well as aligning the functioning of the School of Law with UND’s broader academic integrity and strategic planning: UND LEADS. The dean is responsible, in cooperation with the Provost, for the academic and administrative planning; budgeting; administration and implementation of school and university policies; and fundraising and external relations. The Dean, in partnership with the faculty, is responsible for academic program development and review; faculty and staff recruitment; development and evaluation of faculty; and student relations.

UND seeks an exceptional, focused, and creative leader who will build upon the School of Law’s strengths to continue its growth and expansion, provide world-class educational experiences, recruit and develop outstanding faculty, and promote faculty-driven scholarly and creative endeavors within the School. The next Dean will be a committed team player who is devoted to excellence and shared governance. The selected individual will be a consultative decision-maker and will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community and industry partners. The Dean will have unquestioned integrity and exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.

The next Dean of the UND School of Law will be joining the University during a dynamic period. Under the leadership of President Andrew Armacost (who joined UND in 2020) and Provost Eric Carl Link (who joined UND in 2021), the campus is experiencing enrollment growth and major campus improvements with several buildings currently under construction and/or renovation. Significant investments in terms of research development in critical areas are propelling the University forward as the flagship research institution in the state of North Dakota. Meanwhile, the University’s ongoing commitment to student success at both the undergraduate and graduate levels continues to elevate the tradition of educational excellence at the institution.

The incoming Dean of the School of Law will have the opportunity to build on the long-standing tradition of excellence within the School; to work alongside both internal and external partners and stakeholders to increase and enhance the mission of the School; and to lead the School through a period of enrollment growth, program expansion, and increasing visibility across the state of North Dakota. Enhancing access and opportunity for students and faculty through alumni and donor relations will be essential in the coming years as the University engages in robust capital campaigning and relationship building, as will bringing key programmatic opportunities to the students of the School that will position them — and the School — for ongoing service to the state and the region.

The successful candidate must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other terminal degree in law and at least ten years of accomplishments in progressive and increasingly complex leadership roles in higher education, the practice of law, or a related field. They must also be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction in the United States.

More information, including a position profile with a full description of preferred qualifications and key qualities, is available at the link above. The anticipated starting date of the new Dean will be January 1, 2026, or as soon as reasonable thereafter.

How to Apply

Applications should include a letter of interest (not more than three pages) specifically addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to the qualifications described, a current curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of the working relationships with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: UNDDeanLaw@academicsearch.org

Applications received by Monday, August 4, 2025, are assured consideration. The UND Dean of the School of Law Search Committee is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Hasselmo (Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org)  and Chris Butler (Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org).

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status. People with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Veterans Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and, if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the past 12 months.

CLERY STATEMENT

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security & Fire Safety Report. The report includes the University’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. Prospective employees are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu/annual-security-report.

A paper copy of the report may also be requested from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, N.D. 58202.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified three or more finalists who will be invited to campus. Successful completion of a criminal history background check on the finalist is required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.