The University of Oregon School of Law has appointed Jennifer Reynolds as its permanent dean after a national search and a lengthy interview process.
Background
- Reynolds has been an employee at UO since 2009
- She served as a professor at the law school, teaching civil procedure, conflicts of law, and negotiation
- She previously served as associate dean, beginning in 2020, and interim dean in 2024
The search for a permanent dean began in 2020, following the departure of the previous dean. Reynolds was one of three finalists in the national search, alongside other notable candidates.
The Interview Process
Reynolds stated that the interview process was extensive, taking place from January to February of the current year. She reported serving at the pleasure of the president and reporting to the provost. “I serve at the pleasure of the president, and I report to the provost. I’ve been doing a lot of these same things in my interim role but now because it’s official, I can engage with faculty and staff in more ways,” Reynolds said. The role of the dean includes multiple responsibilities, such as development and fundraising, alumni engagement, and managing the entire school.
Experience and Education
| Education | University | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | University of Chicago | English Language and Literature |
| Graduate | University of Texas at Austin | LL.M. |
| Law School | Harvard University | J.D. |
Reynolds holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from the University of Chicago, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard University.
Goals and Plans for the Law School
Reynolds stated that her favorite part of the job is working with the students, and that she is always looking for ways to make their learning experience easier and more effective. “I have (students) at the center of my thinking all the time, trying to figure out what will make it easier for them to learn, easier for them to get jobs, easier for them to pass the bar (and) easier for them to find their purpose,” Reynolds said. Reynolds plans to raise the law school’s bar passage rate and employment rate, as well as increase the faculty profile by providing more opportunities for faculty members to showcase their work. “We have very well-regarded faculty nationally, and I think we could be even more well-regarded if we just had even more opportunities for them to show their work or share their work; and I’m always looking for chances to do that,” Reynolds said. Reynolds also plans to expand the university’s legal studies minor program, which is currently one of the largest minors on campus. “We don’t advertise it; we don’t make a big fuss about it, and it’s one of the biggest minors on campus,” Reynolds said. “I would like us to continue growing the program so that it does lots of different extracurricular things in addition to the academic stuff… this is an area we haven’t traditionally focused on as much, but we want to.”
Reynolds emphasized that she is committed to supporting the students, faculty, and staff at the law school, and to making the school a better place for everyone.
“I really love the variety of the work I get to do. The law school does so many different kinds of things.
The appointment of Jennifer Reynolds as the permanent dean of the University of Oregon School of Law marks a new chapter in the school’s history. With her extensive experience and education, Reynolds is well-equipped to lead the school to new heights.
Highlights
- Reynolds has been an employee at UO since 2009
- She served as associate dean, beginning in 2020, and interim dean in 2024
- She has a strong educational background, including a J.D. degree from Harvard University
- She is committed to supporting the students, faculty, and staff at the law school
- Associate Dean: A person who assists the dean in managing the law school and overseeing its daily operations
- Interim Dean: A person who serves as the dean temporarily, usually until a permanent dean is appointed
- Permanent Dean: A person who serves as the dean permanently and has full authority over the law school
Example of a well-regarded faculty member
* A professor who has published numerous articles and books in their field
* A researcher who has received significant funding for their studies
* A clinician who has successfully mentored students and professionals in their field
Example of a successful bar passage rate
* A law school with a bar passage rate of 80% or higher
* A law school with a bar passage rate that is significantly higher than the national average
* A law school with a bar passage rate that is improving over time
Example of a legal studies minor program
* A program that offers a minor in law for undergraduate students
* A program that allows students to take courses in law and justice
* A program that provides students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities related to law and justice.
