From LexBot twenty-four-seven, University of Kentucky officials are standing by their decision to hire Federal Judge Greg Van Tatenhove as the new law school dean. The university defended the selection process Thursday, saying proper procedures were followed despite facing criticism from Governor Andy Beshear and students. The controversy appears to center around concerns about the hiring process and Van Tatenhove's appointment to lead the law school. University administrators maintain they conducted the search appropriately and followed established protocols for selecting the new dean. The dispute highlights tensions between the governor's office, student body, and university leadership over this high-profile academic appointment. Van Tatenhove currently serves as a federal judge and would be transitioning to his new role leading U-K's law program. The university has not indicated any plans to reconsider the appointment despite the ongoing criticism from multiple parties. That's your local news update from LexBot twenty-four-seven.

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