Jim Strickland, former Memphis mayor, is set to take the helm of the University of Memphis's Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law as its newly appointed dean. Strickland, who has a substantial legal and political background, ended his tenure as mayor in December 2023 after serving the city since 2016. The University of Memphis revealed this development, anchoring hope in Strickland's combined prowess in law practices, public governance, and academic administration to advance their legal education program.
In a statement obtained by WREG, Strickland expressed his honor in being chosen for the role, touting the law school’s "strong faculty, a well-rounded student body, great alumni, and the best facility in the nation." His legal journey is rooted at the same institution, having graduated magna cum laude and later returning as an adjunct instructor from 1989 to 1996. The former mayor's linkage to the university and the law school, Russomanno believes Strickland's appointment, will echo through the changing landscapes of legal education and create new paths for budding attorneys.
His political accomplishments, encompassing the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and initiatives like Accelerate Memphis, were hallmarked by vaccination drives and investments aimed at enhancing the city's framework. Strickland's achievements as mayor, including economic developments and the reductions in both unemployment and poverty rates, were noted by Action News 5 as pivotal to his mayoral legacy.
Commenting on the appointment, David J. Russomanno, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, highlighted the symbiosis between Strickland's array of experiences and the law school’s existing competencies, according to a report from FOX13 Memphis. Strickland's network, forged during his stints on the Memphis City Council and, as mayor, is anticipated to be a catalyst for the institution's forward momentum. His record, punctuated by years of advocacy, teaching, and leadership, is expected to be a boon for the law school's community and its future contributions to the legal landscape.
