The University of Virginia announced today that Risa L. Goluboff has been selected as the 12th dean of the School of Law. The appointment is effective July 1.

Goluboff, a renowned legal historian specializing in civil rights, is the John Allan Love Professor of Law and Professor of History at UVA and serves as the director of the J.D.-M.A. in history dual-degree program. She also is a faculty affiliate of UVA’s Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies and faculty associate of the Governing America in a Global Era Program at UVA’s Miller Center. Goluboff will be the first woman dean of the School of Law.

“Risa Goluboff’s dedication and vision make her the ideal candidate to move the Law School forward in ways that will benefit both the school and the University,” President Teresa A. Sullivan said. “Risa brings to the deanship exceptionally strong scholarship, leadership ability and passion.”

Goluboff succeeds Paul G. Mahoney, who will return to the faculty, which he first joined in 1990. Mahoney is the David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law and Arnold H. Leon Professor of Law. 

“On behalf of the University community, I express our deep gratitude to Paul Mahoney for his years of service as dean of the School of Law,” Sullivan said. “He guided the school to greater prominence and solidified its position as one of our nation’s great law schools, and we are very fortunate that he will remain on the faculty and a member of our community.” ...