The law school's search for a new dean, while slower than expected, is finally closing in on some candidates and should be complete by the end of the semester.
Since former dean Pamela Gann announced in early February that she would leave the University for the presidency of Claremont McKenna College, a committee has looked for qualified candidates to take her place. Five outside candidates have been invited to tour the law school and meet with students, faculty and administrators.
The committee's original timetable called for a new dean by July 1, but when it became apparent that the plan was unrealistic, the University appointed Professor of Law Clark Havighurst as interim dean.
Committee chair and former dean Paul Carrington said the process is going well. "I expect to be done with it before Christmas," he said.
He said that if a new dean were picked this semester, the person would probably have the opportunity to take the reins of the law school by next fall.
Although the five candidates are all from outside Duke, law school officials have not yet decided whether to nominate a current faculty member for the deanship.
"Once we've seen them, and the faculty has had a chance to assess them, they may or may not ask the committee to look at possible internal candidates," Havighurst said.
Upon visiting, the potential deans are meeting with the entire search committee as well as the Provost Peter Lange and President Nan Keohane. Two of the invited candidates have already completed their visits.
Search committee member Chris Schroeder, professor of law, said the last of the five candidates is scheduled to visit during the week of Oct. 11. "There is no date set," he said, "but as soon thereafter as possible, the faculty will meet and express its views and opinions about the external people we've brought in."
Schroeder added that after the faculty has given their input, the committee will create a list of at least three names of possible candidates. The list will be given to Keohane and Lange, who will make the final decision.
"One reason for having them visit," said Havighurst, "is to assess their overall qualities, so they can decide for certain if they're interested in the job. They are not yet committed to the institution." Committee members said they were prepared for the possibility of some candidates withdrawing themselves from consideration.
Several members of the committee agreed that the talent pool for candidates has been excellent.
"They haven't all declared that they would take the job, of course, but all five of [the visiting candidates] are very able people," said Havighurst. "And I think we should be able to find a suitable candidate among them."
Committee members also agreed on most aspects of the ideal candidate. Search committee member Jefferson Powell, professor of law, said his idea of a strong dean would be "someone who has an established record as a teacher and a scholar." He added that administrative skills and a good business sense are important.
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