UK president defends federal judge hiring as law dean

LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto is defending the hiring of Federal Judge Greg Van Tatenhove as the new dean of the College of Law following mixed reactions and concerns over the selection process, according to LEX 18 News.

Capilouto sent a message to the UK Board of Trustees on Friday defending the decision, saying the hiring process resulted in selecting "a distinctively prepared dean." Provost Robert DiPaola presented details of the selection process to the board Thursday, with Capilouto emphasizing that the decision was free from pressure by certain donors attempting to exert partisan and undue influence.

"The process we follow does not imply unanimity it does imply feedback dialogue consideration and transparency," Capilouto said in his statement.

The appointment has drawn scrutiny from multiple political figures. Gov. Andy Beshear publicly questioned the appointment, while Republican U.S. Senate candidate Daniel Cameron expressed strong support for Van Tatenhove's hiring, praising the judge's "intellect," "wisdom," and commitment to academic freedom at the law school.

Despite the president's defense, UK Board of Trustees members raised concerns about the selection process itself. Trustee Jim Gray introduced a motion during the board meeting requesting the formation of a committee to review and modify governing regulations. The proposed changes would grant the board voting authority over future dean appointments.

"In my view it's about upholding the university's standards as it relates to the job posting as it was made originally," Gray said, suggesting the hiring may not have followed established procedures.

The controversy surrounding Van Tatenhove's appointment reflects broader debates at the university about institutional governance, the role of external political pressure in academic hiring decisions, and board oversight of major administrative selections. The motion to establish a regulatory review committee indicates potential changes ahead regarding how the university selects future academic leadership.