UW Law School Dean Kenneth B. Davis Jr. announced yesterday that he will step down in September 2011 and return to the faculty.
From the UW Madison Press Release:
During his tenure as dean, Davis has steadily worked to raise the Law School’s stature and visibility. Its national ranking has climbed along with its ability to attract top students from across the state and nation.
Davis attributes these accomplishments in part to the school’s national reputation as a leader in diversity and its focus on “law in action.”
Davis has also led an initiative called “Preeminent and Public,” which encouraged those at the Law School to consider ways to advance its national stature and influence while at the same time being true to its mission as Wisconsin’s only public law school.
That initiative has led to enhanced standards for faculty accountability and productivity, a more merit-based compensation system and expanded student learning opportunities in areas such as business law and professional skills.