New Law Center Dean Appointed
Georgetown has named William Treanor as its new executive vice president and dean of the Law Center, effective Aug. 16.
Treanor joins the Law Center from Fordham University, where he has served as dean of Fordham Law School since 2002.
“Dean Treanor has had a rich and varied legal career working in both higher education and government,” said President John J. DeGioia. “His dynamic leadership, global perspective, commitment to service and experience in legal education make him uniquely qualified to take on this role at Georgetown.”
Treanor has served on Fordham Law’s faculty since 1991, first as associate professor and then professor before being named dean. As dean, Treanor worked to enhance the academic reputation of Fordham Law by strengthening the school’s clinical program and its global focus.
“Georgetown Law is an extraordinary law school that combines a profound commitment to scholarship and teaching with a dedication to service and the pursuit of justice,” said Treanor. “More than any other law school, Georgetown has also been a leader in the process of reshaping legal education so that students will have the best possible preparation for the challenges of the legal profession. It will be a privilege and honor to be part of the Georgetown community and to help shape the future of the law school.”
Patricia King, the Carmack Waterhouse Professor of Law at Georgetown Law who served as chair of the dean search committee, said she welcomed the opportunity to serve the Law Center in this role and was pleased that the dean search proceeded smoothly.
“I thank the members of my committee for their hard work over the past several months. I know that Dean Treanor will make significant contributions to Georgetown and will usher the Law Center into a new and exciting era,” she said.
From 1998 to 2001, Treanor served as deputy assistant attorney general in the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, where he was responsible for supplying advice to the White House and U.S. attorney general.
Before joining Fordham’s faculty, he was a government attorney and an associate independent counsel during the Iran/Contra investigation.
The renowned legal scholar earned his B.A. and J.D. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. He also has published widely with a focus in constitutional law.
Robert Ruyak (L’74), chair of the Law Center’s Board of Visitors, said he was pleased and excited about Treanor’s appointment as dean.
“His experience, background and talents will be of enormous value in leading the Law Center through one of the most challenging and dynamic times that law schools and the legal industry have experienced,” he said. “We are truly blessed to have his commitment, and I look forward to working closely with him.”
Treanor succeeds Dean Emerita Judith Areen, who has been serving as interim executive vice president and dean of the Law Center since February.
“I am delighted to add my voice to those welcoming our new dean, William Treanor,” said Areen. “He is widely recognized as one of the most effective deans in legal education. He also embodies the values that are so important to Georgetown: academic excellence, community and service to others.”
(June 29, 2010)
