© 2018 The Texas Lawbook.
By Brooks Igo
(April 2) – The UNT Dallas College of Law has tapped Angela Felecia Epps, the former dean of Florida A&M University College of Law, to lead the law school after founding dean Judge Royal Furgeson retires this summer. Furgeson will remain with the school in a development role.
Epps, whose official first day on the job is July 1, has a resume that fits solidly with the UNT Dallas College of Law ethos. She is a former U.S. Marine and she worked for six years with the Georgia Legal Service Program providing free legal services to low income individuals.
Plus, UNT Dallas officials say her strong standing with the American Bar Association will make a significant difference in the law school’s accreditation efforts.
Epps says she was impressed by UNTD College of Law’s commitment to its students, innovative methods and keeping tuition costs down. When she had her on campus interview for the dean position, she says the time she spent with faculty and students inspired her.
“[The law school’s] focus on diversity is important to me, as is its mission in reaching people who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to attend law school,” she said.
Before becoming dean at Florida A&M’s law school, Epps’ nearly 20-year career in higher education included serving as associate dean at the University of Arkansas Little Rock Bowen School of Law and as a visiting professor at New England School of Law and the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
“Dean Epps embodies our students – from the Marines to her legal career to her academic work, she has shown how hard work and achievement go hand-in hand,” UNTD President Bob Mong said in a statement.
“We are excited to build on the sturdy foundation that Dean Furgeson has built in downtown Dallas, and I am deeply grateful to Royal for his commitment to the UNT Dallas College of Law — especially his leadership and passion for our students that has shaped this young law school profoundly.”
Furgeson, a retired U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas, praised Epps for her academic credentials, administration skills, service as a Marine and ability to build rapport with students.
“The selection of Dean Epps is inspired,” he said. “She is committed to our mission.”
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