Texas Tech University School of Law Seeks Dean Applicants

Texas Tech University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Law. The preferred date for the individual to begin duties is on or about summer 2010.

Texas Tech University, with over 28,000 students, is located in the city of Lubbock, the high plains of West Texas. The metropolitan area serves as home to about 250,000 people. The law school has approximately 670 students and 35 full-time faculty members. It has recently opened a new 34,000 square foot Professional Development Center, which includes a state-of-the-art courtroom and auditorium. We take great pride in our student-centered approach to teaching and our faculty’s open door policy, which fosters intellectual curiosity and promotes mentorship. Texas Tech is the only university in the state that combines Law, Medical, and Graduate schools on the same campus, which allows us to offer unique joint degrees in the fields of business and life sciences. We enjoy support from a growing and increasingly successful group of alumni, including Justices on the Texas Supreme Court, CEO’s and government leaders, premier trial advocates, managing partners of major law firms, and champions of the public interest.

The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the Law School and reports to the Provost of the University. The Dean is responsible for long-range planning, academic leadership, curricula, budgets, personnel matters, representation of the School both inside and outside the University, and the promotion of its national and international reputation.

The successful candidate should have a substantial commitment to legal education, scholarship, and public service, together with the vision and executive skills needed to lead an expanding, contemporary law school. These qualities include the following:

• An earned law degree with an outstanding record sufficient to merit the rank of full professor with tenure in the School of Law.

• High standards of personal and professional integrity and ethics.

• A demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and equal opportunity.

• Recognized accomplishments in legal research, education, and professional activities.

• Administrative experience demonstrating leadership, managerial, budgeting, and communication skills.

• The ability and willingness to devote a significant amount of time to the fundraising activities of the Law School and the University.

While Lubbock has always maintained its small-town feel and West Texas charm, it enjoys many of the benefits typically found in larger cities. Award-winning wineries produce forty-five percent of the state’s wine; the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra provides a full season of classical music featuring guest artists from around the world; Broadway Theater comes to town each year; and the state-of-the-art United Spirit Arena hosts not only the University’s basketball and volleyball teams, but national events and concerts. Lubbock’s wide boulevards and well developed highways make for stress-free commutes and allow more time to enjoy the 277 days of sunshine we experience each year. Lubbock also enjoys a low cost of living, including very affordable housing prices. Furthermore, while our airport provides easy access to other parts of the country via four major airlines, the community’s tradition of live music, support for the arts, and outdoor recreation make Lubbock a difficult place to leave behind.

The Search Committee will review applications as received and will continue until the appointment is made. Applications must include: (1) a letter addressing how the candidate’s background matches the position requirements; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; and (3) the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least four references.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically to: Dean Fred Hartmeister Dean of Graduate School at Fred.Hartmeister@ttu.edu.  Materials that cannot be sent by email may be directed to: Dean Fred Hartmeister Dean of Graduate School MS1030 Lubbock, Texas 79409-1030

More information about Texas Tech University is available at www.ttu.edu, and information about the School of Law is available at www.law.ttu.edu.

Texas Tech is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications and nominations from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of diverse ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.