UA LAW SCHOOL DEAN CANDIDATE ACCEPTS POSITION

Robert B. Moberly will join UA campus in July. Says Chancellor White’s vision for the University influenced his decision

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Robert B. Moberly has become the University of Arkansas’ ninth dean of the School of Law, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dan Bennett announced today.

Moberly, who hails from the University of Florida College of Law, replaces Dean Leonard Strickman who announced his resignation last August.

"Chancellor White’s vision for the University and his goal for it to achieve national prominence excited me," Moberly said. "The University of Arkansas also has a rich history and tradition. I will consider myself a trustee of that tradition."

"It is very pleasing to have a new dean of the academic caliber of Mr. Moberly," said Chancellor John A. White. "I believe he brings to the University of Arkansas a comprehensive background and genuine caring for law education that will carry on the fine tradition of our law school."

Chairman of the search committee, Richard Atkinson said the law school community of teachers, staff and students is eager to work with Bob to realize his vision of both stronger ties with alumni and of an increasingly rich educational experience for students.

"We are absolutely convinced that Bob Moberly is the right person to take the Law School forward to a new level of excellence," said Atkinson.

"Bright, articulate, energetic.Bob comes here with a history of extraordinary success as an attorney, a teacher, and an administrator. We expect nothing less than that his tenure here will be similarly characterized by exceptional achievement," Atkinson said.

Moberly said his governing style is very participatory and that he gives and encourages open communication. "A good dean is one who puts the organization first, is a good listener and who is capable of empowering faculty and students," Moberly said.

Moberly’s visions for the UA School of Law includes developing international opportunities, promoting interdisciplinary studies and focusing on technology issues to ensure the law school has both adequate facilities and curriculum opportunities.

"I hope to work closely with the bar and bench to improve the legal system and legal education and also in terms of developing resources for the school," Moberly said.

Moberly joined the faculty of the University of Florida College of Law in 1977. There he served as director for the Institute for Dispute Resolution, and is the principal investigator for a $221,000 grant to conduct a mediation service for the United States Department of Agriculture.

The Florida College of Law is one of the oldest and largest law schools in the country, with over 1,000 full-time students ranked among the top 15 percent in the country and almost 60 full-time faculty. The University of Arkansas has 365 full-time students and 25 full-time faculty.

"I think the University of Arkansas has a strong faculty and student body. I found them to be a bright, collegial group," said Moberly.

Moberly’s salary at the U of A will be $180,000.

Prior to his tenure at Florida, Moberly was a member of the faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Law from 1973-77. He also comes to the U of A with experience in the private sector as a member of Mulcahy & Wherry, S.C. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1971-1973. He also worked for the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission from 1968-71 and was Law Clerk to Justice Connor T. Hansen of the Wisconsin Supreme Court from 1966-76.

Moberly received his degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1966 and prior to that a bachelors of science in economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1963.

He also carries the honor of having been named to: "Who’s Who in America", "Who’s Who in American Law".

Moberly come to the U of A with his wife Lynne, who has accepted a position as a professor in the communication department of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and his 13-year-old son Reed. Moberly has two other children. His oldest son, Richard, graduated from the Harvard Law School last May. His daughter Laura is an art director.

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