A West Virginia University College of Law professor has been selected as the college's next dean.

Joyce McConnell, professor of law and associate dean for academic affairs, accepted the position Friday. She is the second woman to serve as dean of the college in its 130-year history. The last woman to serve as dean was Teree Foster, who served from 1993-97.

McConnell has been with the college since 1995. She will assume her new role July 1 and will replace John Fisher.

"West Virginia University College of Law is an outstanding law school thanks to its talented students, gifted faculty of teacher-scholars, dedicated staff, committed alumni and a decade of superb leadership by Dean John Fisher," McConnell said. "I consider it a privilege and honor to lead this special community as its new dean and look forward to building on the law school's tradition of excellence."

 McConnell received her Master of Law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1990, juris doctor degree from the Antioch School of Law in 1982 and her bachelor's degree from Evergreen State College in Washington state in 1979.

She also taught at four other law schools before settling in Morgantown.

The U.S. News & World Report currently ranks the law school as a third-tier school. The school fell in 2002 from a second-tier school to third tier and fell again in 2006 to fourth tier.

"This place, this law school, has always been a place where students can come and build on their own vision of what a successful career in law can be," McConnell said. "They can learn the tools here they envisioned when they stepped through the door and into the classroom."

McConnell said she sees the future of the law school in the development of curriculum that embraces traditional education and 21st century technology and educational tools.

To prepare students to participate in a global environment, McConnell said she plans for the law school to take steps to embrace diversity and inclusion.

During her 12 years at WVU, she has served as a professor of law, and taught courses in land-use planning, natural resources and negotiations. She also served as associate dean of academic affairs from 1998-2001 and again from 2006 to today.

Fisher announced he would step down as dean of the College of Law in May 2007. He began teaching at the law school in 1971 and has served as dean for about 10 years.

To contact staff writer Veronica Nett, use e-mail or call 348-5113.

A West Virginia University College of Law professor has been selected as the college's next dean.

Joyce McConnell, professor of law and associate dean for academic affairs, accepted the position Friday. She is the second woman to serve as dean of the college in its 130-year history. The last woman to serve as dean was Teree Foster, who served from 1993-97.

McConnell has been with the college since 1995. She will assume her new role July 1 and will replace John Fisher.

"West Virginia University College of Law is an outstanding law school thanks to its talented students, gifted faculty of teacher-scholars, dedicated staff, committed alumni and a decade of superb leadership by Dean John Fisher," McConnell said. "I consider it a privilege and honor to lead this special community as its new dean and look forward to building on the law school's tradition of excellence."

 McConnell received her Master of Law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1990, juris doctor degree from the Antioch School of Law in 1982 and her bachelor's degree from Evergreen State College in Washington state in 1979.

She also taught at four other law schools before settling in Morgantown.

The U.S. News & World Report currently ranks the law school as a third-tier school. The school fell in 2002 from a second-tier school to third tier and fell again in 2006 to fourth tier.

"This place, this law school, has always been a place where students can come and build on their own vision of what a successful career in law can be," McConnell said. "They can learn the tools here they envisioned when they stepped through the door and into the classroom."

McConnell said she sees the future of the law school in the development of curriculum that embraces traditional education and 21st century technology and educational tools.

To prepare students to participate in a global environment, McConnell said she plans for the law school to take steps to embrace diversity and inclusion.

During her 12 years at WVU, she has served as a professor of law, and taught courses in land-use planning, natural resources and negotiations. She also served as associate dean of academic affairs from 1998-2001 and again from 2006 to today.

Fisher announced he would step down as dean of the College of Law in May 2007. He began teaching at the law school in 1971 and has served as dean for about 10 years.

To contact staff writer Veronica Nett, use e-mail or call 348-5113.