Florida State University (FSU) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Law. The University seeks a visionary leader who will shape the future of legal education at one of the nation’s top public law schools.
The Dean of FSU College of Law serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of a nationally recognized institution, reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The next Dean will articulate and advance an ambitious vision that positions FSU College of Law at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. This leader will enhance the College’s national reputation for excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service while providing strategic and operational leadership across all academic, financial, and personnel functions. The Dean will recruit, support, and retain a high performing faculty and staff and ensure strong and responsible stewardship of resources aligned with institutional priorities.
Florida State University is a nationally prominent public research institution located in the heart of Tallahassee. Known for academic strength and strong rankings across multiple disciplines, FSU cultivates a vibrant, collaborative environment grounded in innovation, research, and public service. Its strategic location, distinguished faculty, and commitment to student success contribute to its standing as one of the nation’s leading public universities.
Located downtown—adjacent to the Florida Supreme Court and the State Capitol—FSU College of Law offers extraordinary proximity to state and federal courts, Florida Legislature, government agencies, and a dynamic legal community. The College is consistently recognized among the nation’s top law schools, ranked #38 overall and #17 among public institutions, and is known for exceptional faculty, strong employment outcomes, and outstanding value. As it approaches its 60th year, FSU College Law continues to offer rigorous academics, robust experiential learning, and a collaborative culture rooted in professional achievement and public service.
The Dean will lead efforts to elevate student success, including strengthening bar passage, employment outcomes, and other key performance indicators, while ensuring continuous improvement in response to evolving accreditation standards and market forces. The role requires significant external engagement including building strong relationships with alumni, the legal profession, donors, and public stakeholders. The Dean will guide major fundraising initiatives to support faculty excellence, expand academic and experiential programs, and secure resources that advance the College of Law’s mission. Working closely with university leadership, the Dean will champion innovation, expand non J.D. and interdisciplinary offerings, and develop new revenue streams aligned with workforce needs and emerging opportunities.
FSU seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and forward thinking leader committed to academic excellence, student achievement, community building and the future of legal education. Candidates must hold a J.D. and possess a distinguished record of scholarship, teaching, service, and professional accomplishment that warrants appointment as a tenured full professor. Leadership experience in legal education is strongly preferred, along with demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic and financial management, and meaningful community engagement.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV/resume and a letter of interest. Please do not add photos or reference contacts to your application materials.
WittKieffer is assisting the Florida State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by May 4, 2026.
Please direct all nominations and applications through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal using the buttons below.
Additional inquiries can be directed to:
Werner Boel, LL.M. and Ashlee Musser
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position requires annual Financial Disclosure based on Florida Statutes 112.3144 and 112.3145.
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Florida's "Sunshine Law" requires that all search committee business be open to public review.