University of Iowa law school dean to step down at end of year

The dean of the University of Iowa College of Law has decided to step down at the end of the current academic year.

Gail Agrawal, who has led the college since 2010, announced her decision in a letter sent Thursday to the law school community.

“In the meantime, we have much work to do this year, and I look forward to working with you and serving as dean until the 18th dean of the Iowa College of Law is appointed,” she wrote.

Under Agrawal’s leadership, the law school has:

• Created new pathways to a law degree, including an early matriculation program and an advanced standing program for international lawyers.
• Established a Master's degree program and a Doctor of Juridical Science programs.
• Strengthened the college’s relationships with partner institutions throughout Iowa.

“We also weathered difficult times in legal education,” Agrawal wrote. “We made hard choices. I asked staff and faculty to work both more efficiently and harder, and you did. Even in challenging times, we stayed true to our values and our traditions.”

The university plans to launch a national search soon for Agrawal’s replacement.

“I am deeply grateful for Gail's contributions to the college and the university, including above all her leadership of the college through a time of significant change and challenge,” UI Provost Sue Curry wrote in an email to UI vice presidents and deans.

UI officials already are in the process of searching for new deans in three other colleges on campus. A fourth search was concluded earlier this summer.

• Curry was named interim provost after serving nine years as dean of the College of Public Health. She is not returning to that position.
• Chaden Djalali, who has served since 2012 as dean of the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, announced in March that he will be stepping down at the end of the current academic year.
• Jean Robillard, UI's vice president for medical affairs, announced last year that he would be stepping down as soon as a replacement could be found. His position includes the deanship for the Carver College of Medicine.
• Julie Zerwic started Aug. 14 as the new dean of the UI College of Nursing. Zerwic succeeded Rita Frantz, who served as dean from July 2007 to September 2016. Frantz died of cancer shortly after she retired. 

Reach Jeff Charis-Carlson at jcharisc@press-citizen.com or 319-887-5435. Follow him on Twitter: @JeffCharis.