Villanova law school promotes John Gotanda to dean
Villanova University School of Law
November 2, 2010
I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of John Y. Gotanda, J.D. as the sixth Dean of the Villanova University School of Law, effective January 1, 2011. This key appointment is the result of a rigorous national search led by a committee of trustees, faculty, administrators, and alumni. The committee considered a wide range of talented candidates, and ultimately determined that John Gotanda, who has been a member of the Villanova community for 16 years, would be the ideal choice for this important leadership role.
Dean Gotanda has served the School of Law as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Research, Director of the JD/MBA Program, and Professor. A distinguished scholar, Dean Gotanda is widely considered one of the world’s leading authorities on damages in international law. He has taught a variety of courses at Villanova and abroad—including International Commercial Arbitration, Damages, and Contracts. Dean Gotanda’s energy, creativity, integrity, and collaborative style have made him exceptionally successful as both a legal educator and an administrative leader.
In his new role, Dean Gotanda will serve as the chief administrator of the School of Law and the chairperson of its faculty. He will lead the School’s long-range strategic and academic planning, which includes curricular and professional development initiatives, faculty research support, student services, fundraising, external relations, and alumni services.
Dean Gotanda’s vision for the School of Law, which supports the overall Villanova University Strategic Plan, emphasizes the importance of an inspired, united community—with a shared sense of mission and purpose—at the heart of the School.
In response to Villanova’s current opportunities within the context of the worldwide practice of law, Dean Gotanda’s vision prioritizes areas including interdisciplinary curricula and courses, global and service-focused student experiences, career strategy services for students, recruitment and professional development, active student learning, fundraising to support initiatives outside the scope of physical facilities, and a reinvigorated commitment to our Catholic and Augustinian roots.
I would like to commend Dean Gotanda on the breadth of achievements that have led him to this appointment and am delighted that he has agreed to join the Villanova leadership team. We are fortunate to have such a talented and impressive leader within our own community.
