Kevin R. Johnson, dean of UC Davis’ law school to step down at end of academic year
Kevin R. Johnson, the dean of UC Davis’ School of Law, a legal leader in immigration law, and one of the nation’s most senior law deans, will step down from his leadership post at the end of the academic year, university officials announced Wednesday.
Johnson, the longest-serving dean in King Hall’s history, has led the University of California, Davis, law school since 2008. During his tenure, the school has drawn praise for its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and, a rarity, its minority-majority faculty.
Johnson, a UC Davis faculty member since 1989, will continue to teach at the university, officials said in a statement.
“I have drawn inspiration from our brilliant law faculty, remarkable students and larger King Hall community,” Johnson said Wednesday in a statement. “I also tried to follow the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by pursuing equal access to a great legal education to students from all backgrounds.”
UC Davis will launch a nationwide search in November for Johnson’s replacement. University leaders hope to have a new dean in place by July 1.
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