In a striking new chapter for the University of Kentucky’s College of Law, former federal judge Gregory Van Tatenhove has been named the next dean of this prestigious institution. The announcement came from UK Provost Robert DiPaola in a recent email to students, marking the end of a long search since former Dean Mary J. Davis stepped down in 2023.

During her tenure, Davis led the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, added ten new faculty members, and elevated the school to the #6 spot on National Jurist Magazine’s Best Value Law School list. The legacy she leaves behind is significant, setting a high bar for her successor.

Van Tatenhove, a graduate of the same law college, expressed his deep connection to the institution in a news release. “As a graduate of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, this institution has long meant a great deal to me,” he stated, reflecting on his personal and professional journey back to his alma mater.

The selection of Van Tatenhove has garnered positive reactions, including from notable figures such as Congressman Andy Barr, who took to Twitter to congratulate him. "I want to congratulate my friend, Judge Greg Van Tatenhove on his appointment as the new Dean of the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law. As an alumnus of the College, I am thrilled that Judge Van Tatenhove will be stepping into this role. He has been an outstanding…” Barr tweeted, showing his support and confidence in Van Tatenhove’s capabilities.

This appointment not only brings Van Tatenhove’s career full circle but also signals a promising new direction for the College of Law, with a leader who is deeply invested in its success and legacy. His extensive experience in the judiciary will undoubtedly influence his approach to education, potentially enriching the academic environment with a practical, real-world perspective on law and governance.

For more details on this story, you can read the full article on the Kentucky website, which provides comprehensive coverage on this significant transition at the University of Kentucky’s College of Law.