UF President Bernie Machen has ended the search for the new Levin College of Law dean.
In an email to the college’s faculty and staff, Machen wrote that they were not able to find a suitable replacement for current dean Robert “Bob” Jerry.
“We did not find one ideally suited to lead the College through a decade that will be simultaneously challenging for the profession and replete with opportunities for growth and advancement,” he said in the email.
Machen proposed that George Dawson, Levin College of Law professor, take over as interim dean within the next year. Dawson, who first joined the college in 1981, has postponed his impending retirement to take on the position.
“His leadership and experience will help ensure a smooth transition during the next year and allow the College to address various issues and reinitiate a search for a permanent dean,” Machen said in the email.
Jerry first announced in August that he would be stepping down as dean but would remain a member of the college faculty. Jerry, who is tied to be the second-longest serving Levin College of Law dean, was first appointed as dean in 2003.
UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said that Machen will revisit opening the search sometime in the near future.
“Right now Bob Jerry will not be stepping down until June 30,” she said.
Faculty and staff are invited to attend a closed meeting Tuesday with Machen and the UF provost to discuss Dawson's nomination. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the law school, room 180.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
