New Dean of Villanova School of Law Announced
I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of John Y. Gotanda, J.D. as the sixth Dean of the Villanova University School of Law, effective January 1, 2011. This key appointment is the result of a rigorous national search led by a committee of trustees, faculty, administrators, and alumni. The committee considered a wide range of talented candidates, and ultimately determined that John Gotanda, who has been a member of the Villanova community for 16 years, would be the ideal choice for this important leadership role.
Dean Gotanda has served the School of Law as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Research, Director of the JD/MBA Program, and Professor. A distinguished scholar, Dean Gotanda is widely considered one of the world’s leading authorities on damages in international law. He has taught a variety of courses at Villanova and abroad—including International Commercial Arbitration, Damages, and Contracts. Dean Gotanda’s energy, creativity, integrity, and collaborative style have made him exceptionally successful as both a legal educator and an administrative leader.
In his new role, Dean Gotanda will serve as the chief administrator of the School of Law and the chairperson of its faculty. He will lead the School’s long-range strategic and academic planning, which includes curricular and professional development initiatives, faculty research support, student services, fundraising, external relations, and alumni services.
Dean Gotanda’s vision for the School of Law, which supports the overall Villanova University Strategic Plan, emphasizes the importance of an inspired, united community—with a shared sense of mission and purpose—at the heart of the School. In response to Villanova’s current opportunities within the context of the worldwide practice of law, Dean Gotanda’s vision prioritizes areas including interdisciplinary curricula and courses, global and service-focused student experiences, career strategy services for students, recruitment and professional development, active student learning, fundraising to support initiatives outside the scope of physical facilities, and a reinvigorated commitment to our Catholic and Augustinian roots.
I would like to commend Dean Gotanda on the breadth of achievements that have led him to this appointment and am delighted that he has agreed to join the Villanova leadership team. We are fortunate to have such a talented and impressive leader within our own community.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Doris Brogan, J.D. '81 VLS, who answered the call to serve and whose extraordinary efforts as Acting Dean empowered our community to thrive throughout the search process. Her legacy is one of selfless commitment, loyalty, and genuine contribution to the life of the School and the University. Lastly, I would like to thank the entire search committee—especially our co-chairs Dorothy Malloy, Esq. and Paul Tufano, Esq. ’83 VSB, ’86 VLS—for their tireless efforts in finding the ideal leadership fit for the School of Law.
You will learn more about Dean Gotanda and his vision for the School of Law in the coming months. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating him on his new and well-deserved leadership role.
Sincerely,
Fr. Peter Donohue, O.S.A.
President
