Bennett named interim law school dean at MC

Mississippi College School of Law professor Patricia Bennett will soon become the institution’s interim dean.

Bennett, a former assistant U.S. attorney, will  succeed Wendy Scott, the first African-American dean of the law school. Scott is resigning as dean Dec. 1, but will remain at the MC School of Law as a professor.

"First, I consider it a great privilege to serve as interim dean at my alma mater," Bennett said.  "President (Lee) Royce and the Board of Trustees have given me this opportunity to work with our wonderful students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to continue our successful program of legal education. I appreciate the confidence that is being shown in my ability to lead the law school.

"I plan to be involved in raising more substantial funds for our programs and scholarships. And, I will be actively involved in recruiting students. These are important challenges and ones that I hope and plan to meet. I will maintain a strong commitment to our students and their professional success."

MC administrators say Bennett is a superb choice and believe the law school will continue to advance under her leadership.

“Professor Bennett is highly regarded, both in-state and around the nation in leading legal circles,” Royce said in a statement. “We believe this Mississippian and MC Law alumna will do an effective job leading the law school as its interim dean.”

Over the years, Bennett “built excellent working relationships with faculty, students, staff and alumni and the legal community,” Royce said. “We anticipate more accomplishments ahead under her guidance in the months to come.”

Before joining the MC Law faculty in 1989, Bennett worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the  Department of Justice. Her government service also includes stints as assistant district attorney for Hinds and Yazoo counties and as a special assistant attorney general with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office in Jackson. For eight years, Bennett served as a JAGC officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Mississippi National Guard.