<p>Effective July 1, 2015, Widener University School of Law in Delaware will be known as Widener University Delaware Law School. Rod Smolla, a nationally known teacher, scholar and lawyer with vast leadership experience, will become the school&rsquo;s new dean.</p>
<p>The American Bar Association has approved the university&rsquo;s plans, which will allow Delaware Law to function independently of Widener&rsquo;s Harrisburg law school for the first time in 25 years. Both locations will continue to operate within Widener University.</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4D5s3cEsilM" width="640" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p><em>Watch the announcement of Rod Smolla as the Dean of Widener University Delaware Law School - effective July 1, 2015.</em></p>
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<p>Smolla, previously served as the dean of University of Richmond School of Law and Washington and Lee University School of Law, and as president of Furman University in Greenville, S.C.</p>
<p>He is currently a visiting professor of law at University of Georgia School of Law.<br /><br /> The changes mean Delaware Law will stand on its own in showcasing its strengths and unique contributions to the First State, the capital for American corporate law. It will have an administration, faculty and staff who are working entirely on behalf of students at the university&rsquo;s Delaware location.<br /><br /> &ldquo;This is an exciting time for Widener University and its law schools,&rdquo; Widener President James T. Harris III said. &ldquo;It is a point of pride for us to serve the community as Delaware&rsquo;s only law school. The changes we are unveiling &ndash; including this web site &ndash; will allow the school to highlight its individuality. We welcome Rod Smolla to Delaware and look forward to watching the school flourish under his leadership.&rdquo;<br /><br /> Interim Dean <a href="ipl://20//WyIyOSJd">Erin Daly</a>, who has led the law school as the university searched for a new dean, said the changes are historic, and the new name particularly fitting. &ldquo;This is tremendously significant for our alumni and supporters who associate Delaware Law School with Delaware&rsquo;s distinctive legal culture and its preeminence in corporate and business law,&rdquo; she said.</p>
<p>Smolla said a big part of his identity as a law professor and dean has involved placing heavy emphasis on reforming legal education to make it more balanced in helping students develop professional ethics, skills and judgment.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Delaware Law is an outstanding institution and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as its dean during this important time in its history. I am looking forward to becoming an active participant in the Delaware legal community and building on the school&rsquo;s already strong relationships with the bench and bar, and distinguished alumni throughout the region,&rdquo; Smolla said. &ldquo;I am looking forward to working with my law faculty colleagues, and to energetically participating in the academic and professional life of the Delaware Law student body, encouraging students to aspire to the highest traditions of the profession.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The Delaware Law name was selected after listening sessions with faculty, administrators, students, staff, alumni, university trustees, law school overseers and the legal community.</p>
<p>It harkens back to the name used when the school opened in 1971, while it also reflects the school&rsquo;s commitment to the &ldquo;Delaware way&rdquo; of practicing law. That comes with a distinctive culture, an emphasis on civility and a high level of professionalism &ndash; all values Widener hopes students will carry into their own law practices.</p>