Saint Louis University Selects New Dean of School of Law
ST. LOUIS (November 28, 2016) — William P. Johnson, professor and highly regarded scholar of international business law, has been appointed as dean of the School of Law effective Jan. 3, 2017. Johnson’s appointment follows a national and internal search that drew many qualified candidates.
Johnson is currently a professor at the law school and director of the school’s Center for International and Comparative Law. He also serves as director of the SLU Summer Law Program at the University’s Madrid campus in Spain.
He joined the SLU LAW faculty in 2012 after holding an appointment on the law faculty at the University of North Dakota. He has also been a visiting professor at prestigious law schools in Germany, Lithuania and Hungary. He graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School.
“We are fortunate to find such a bright, collaborative leader with a global view of legal education,” said University Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D. “Bill is the right person to move the School of Law forward and has strong support within the law school, where he has served on a number of important committees.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted with the responsibility to lead the Saint Louis University School of Law, and it is a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Johnson. “I am mindful that there are major challenges in legal education today facing every U.S. law school. There is hard work to do. But I have seen over and over how impressive and how dedicated to SLU our alumni are; I know how hard-working, responsible and accomplished the student body is; I am amazed every day at the brilliant accomplishments of my faculty and staff colleagues.
“I see terrific opportunities that come with being part of an outstanding university; and I believe in our mission. I am proud to be part of this great institution, and I’m eager to continue the great work of the School of Law.”
Johnson will replace retiring Dean Michael Wolff, J.D., who has served as dean since 2013. During that time he led the move of the law school into its new home in Scott Hall in downtown St. Louis. He also has provided strong leadership and has strengthened the school’s local, national and international reputation.“Mike has led with courage and determination, and an abiding love of the SLU School of Law,” said Brickhouse. “While Mike will be missed, I know he strongly supports Bill Johnson as his successor in this important role and will assist in making the transition as smooth as possible.”
“I follow in the footsteps of someone who exemplifies being a man of service for and with others,” said Johnson. “Dean Michael Wolff has engaged in decades of meaningful service to Saint Louis University, the state of Missouri, the legal profession and the judiciary. I have enormous shoes to fill.”
Media interested in interviewing Professor Johnson should contact Jessica Ciccone, School of Law director of communications, at (314) 977-7248 or lillieciccone@slu.edu.