Texas Southern University’s law school dean is out of the job, signaling continued tumult for a program recovering from an admissions scandal that toppled the former university president.
Joan R.M. Bullock served almost three years as the Thurgood Marshall School of Law’s first female dean – and tenth dean overall. While she took the job intending to improve the school’s standards, bar rates remain low: Between one-third and one-half of Texas Southern students pass each qualifying exam, regularly ranking last among the state’s schools.
Texas Southern on Thursday announced professor Okezie Chukwumerije as the law school’s interim dean. In an email to students, faculty and staff, the university did not mention Bullock and only confirmed that the change is effective immediately.
“We look forward to continued success in the Law School,” said Lillian B. Poats, acting provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
The reason for Bullock’s departure is unclear, as TSU refused to comment on the personnel issue. Bullock also declined to comment.
Some law students had been displeased with the dean’s progress, according to an email obtained by the Chronicle. In November, TSU’s Student Bar Association linked student members to a survey to gauge opinions on Bullock – and one of the questions asked whether they would support the bar association’s request for her immediate resignation.
“Sadly, we have not seen the traction we desire for our school,” the email reads. “We have heard the painful stories you have been enduring during your tenure, experienced the effects of the high turnover in our faculty and administration, and that you all are ready for an immediate change.”
Chukwumerjie, the interim dean, was formerly Thurgood Marshall’s associate dean for academic affairs. He has taught at the school since 2003.
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