Regents leader a candidate for dean of law school

Reggie Robinson has worked in D.C. and as KU instructor

Reggie Robinson, president of the Kansas Board of Regents, is in the running for dean of Kansas University’s Law School.

Robinson is among four candidates vying for the post vacated by Steve McAllister, who stepped down in August.

The other candidates are Gary Simson, law professor and former associate dean for academic affairs at Cornell University in New York, and John Gotanda, associate dean for research, a law professor and director of the J.D./M.B.A. program at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

In his letter to the search committee, Robinson outlined his leadership qualifications and his strong ties with the university and the state.

He said he believes his experiences would enable him to strengthen the school’s connection with the profession and give it a higher profile nationally.

Robinson, a Lawrence resident, received his undergraduate and law degrees from KU. He has been an intern for Sen. Bob Dole and a law clerk for Deanell Reece Tacha, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. He was a faculty member in KU’s law school from 1988 to 1993.

He spent time in Washington, D.C., serving in such posts as special assistant to the U.S. attorney general, deputy assistant attorney general and consultant with the U.S. Justice Department.

He returned to KU in 1998 to teach and serve as policy adviser to KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway. He has been president and chief executive officer of the Regents since 2002. His base salary is $151,000.

Regent Dick Bond, who is listed as a reference on Robinson’s resume, said Robinson has done well dealing with the many egos – of school leaders and regents – he must face and working with the Legislature.

“I think he’s been very well-received in the Legislature on both sides of the aisle,” Bond said.

Robinson visited KU’s campus this week. Another candidate, who has not been announced, also is expected to visit this week.