The University of Utah is pleased to announce that Professor Robert W. Adler, interim dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, James I. Farr Presidential Chair in Law, and Distinguished Professor of Law, has agreed to serve as the next dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, effective July 1, 2014, pending the necessary approval processes.

After graduating from Georgetown University Law Center, Professor Adler had an acclaimed career in law practice, including working for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and the Natural Resources Defense Counsel. He joined the University of Utah faculty in 1994, where he quickly became known as one of the nation’s leading experts in both environmental law and water law. He is a co-author on two leading casebooks and has published two highly regarded books, 28 law review articles, and numerous book chapters, reports, and other articles. He is an award-winning teacher, scholar, and citizen.

Among the many roles Professor Adler has served in for his college and the university, Professor Adler was the associate dean for Academic Affairs of the S.J. Quinney College of Law from 2006 to 2009. As interim dean for the past year, Professor Adler has worked tirelessly to enhance the success of the College of Law, and his efforts have earned the trust and respect of the community both on and off campus.

“He will be a tremendous asset to the university leadership team, and I look forward to working with him as we complete the new law school building and meet the challenges facing legal education,” said Ruth Watkins, senior vice president for Academic Affairs.