Stacy L. Leeds has been named dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law, according to a university news release. She will assume duties effective July 1.
Leeds is making the move from the University of Kansas School of Law, where she is interim associate dean for academic affairs, professor of law and director of the Tribal Law and Government Center. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Leeds becomes the first American Indian woman to serve as dean of a law school.
Leeds will replace Cynthia Nance, who has served as dean since her five-year appointment in 2006. Nance will return to the faculty as professor of law after spending a year on a research appointment.
"We are honored to welcome Dean Leeds to the University of Arkansas," UA chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a prepared statement. "As a nationally recognized scholar, judge and administrator, she is the ideal person to guide our law school to unprecedented heights."
According to the news release, Leeds has focused her teaching and extensive research on property, natural resources and American Indian law. She also has worked at the University of North Dakota School of Law and the University of Wisconsin School of Law.
Leeds earned a master of laws degree at Wisconsin, after earning a bachelor of arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, a master of business administration from the University of Tennessee, and a juris doctor from the University of Tulsa.
Leeds said in the release she is "truly honored" to accept the position at Arkansas.
"I am excited to join the law school community at a time of such immeasurable possibilities for continued successes," she said.
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