After a nine-month nationwide search to replace former dean Kenneth W. Starr whose was recently named President of Baylor University Pepperdine University President Andrew K. Benton announced Thursday that former federal judiciary and associate Dean of the University Of Kansas School Of Law Deanell Reece Tacha has been appointed dean of the Pepperdine School of Law. Tacha will begin her duties as dean starting June 1.
Nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 Judge Tacha served as a circuit judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th circuit for over 25 years. She then acted as Chief Judge of the Circuit from 2001 to 2007.
As a past graduate of the University of Kansas Judge Tacha returned to the university from 1974-1977 serving as Associate Professor of its School of Law. Then from 1977-1979 she served as Associate Dean. She later became Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in 1979 until 1981 when she was appointed Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs between 1981- 1985. After years of committed work to the university Judge Tacha received both the KU Alumni Association’s Fred Ellsworth Medallion and the Distinguished Service Citation for her extraordinary service.
With her rich international experience Judge Tacha’s recent appointment seems to suggest her to be in perfect company at the globally-pursuant Pepperdine University School of Law.