University Law Prof. Paul Mahoney will be the next dean of the Law School, President John T. Casteen, III announced yesterday.
"He was by far and away in a class by himself," said Arthur Garson, University executive vice president and provost, who helped lead the dean search process. "He is one of the outstanding legal scholars in the nation."
Garson added that Mahoney's scholarship distinguished him from the large number of other applicants for the position.
According to Law Prof. Elizabeth Magill, who chaired the search committee, the selection process began last July. Magill said the search committee was comprised mostly of Law School faculty members but also included alumni, Darden Dean Robert Bruner, a student representative and a representative from Casteen's office.
After making a list of promising candidates, Magill said the committee deliberated and confidentially interviewed some of the candidates. In January, she said, a smaller group was interviewed on Grounds.
She said the committee then made a recommendation to Garson, who in turn made a recommendation to Casteen, who made the appointment.
According to current Law School Dean John Jeffries, Mahoney served as academic associate dean from 1999 to 2004 and has been a professor at the Law School since 1990. Mahoney will assume his new position July 1, a University press release stated.
Jeffries said he is pleased by Mahoney's appointment.
"I've had a unique opportunity to see his work up close, and I'm terribly impressed with his appreciation of merit and sound judgment," Jeffries said.
Mahoney said as dean he plans to expand the Law School's interdisciplinary work. He explained that the Law School currently collaborates with economic, history, philosophy, medicine, literature and environmental science programs, but noted that he wishes to further these efforts.
"My goal is to broaden and deepen these contacts," Mahoney said.
Magill said Mahoney has helped to develop the Law School into the institution it is today.
"He really knows the culture here and has helped create it," Magill noted.
Jeffries agreed, saying Mahoney's previous experience at the Law School will aid him in his new position.
"It's a great advantage that he knows this institution, its history and its ambition so well," Jeffries said.
In the Law School, Mahoney teaches and researches topics including securities regulation, law and economic development, corporate finance and contracts.
"He is a dedicated teacher who is genuinely interested in the effectiveness of the education of our students," Jeffries said.
In addition to his familiarity with the University, Magill said Mahoney has visited many law schools around the country and "knows how other places choose to do things."
Mahoney added that he cares strongly about the University's Law School.
"I have a very deep affection for the Law School and I want to do everything I can to further its success," Mahoney said.
After Mahoney's induction, Jeffries will continue serving the University as a full-time law professor following a yearlong sabbatical.
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