UK defends law school dean hire amid criticism from Beshear, students

LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky leaders are defending their selection of Federal Judge Greg Van Tatenhove as dean of the Rosenberg College of Law, following criticism from students, faculty and Gov. Andy Beshear, according to LEX 18 News.

During a presentation to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees on Thursday, Provost Robert DiPaola emphasized that the university followed proper procedures and maintained integrity throughout the hiring process. DiPaola said the university incorporated meaningful involvement from faculty and input from multiple stakeholder groups in selecting Van Tatenhove, a federal judge and UK alumnus.

"We had principles. We made sure we maintained the integrity of the process," DiPaola told the board, noting that the law school dean search followed the same procedures and principles as 12 other recent dean searches at the university.

The appointment has drawn significant scrutiny. After the selection was announced, Beshear publicly questioned the hiring decision and called on UK to reconsider. "The fact that a political party defended the law school dean's appointment is telling. Kentuckians deserve a nonpartisan university that doesn't waste taxpayer dollars," the governor said.

DiPaola countered that comprehensive feedback was gathered from multiple groups with knowledge of the college's needs and the state's interests. He defended the inclusive nature of the search process, emphasizing input from those with understanding of requirements for student success and Kentucky's future.

Van Tatenhove, who received his law degree from UK, said he remains committed to moving forward. "I am absolutely confident that we're going to work together to build consensus and be transparent and move my alma mater forward," he said in response to the criticism.

The hiring marks a significant leadership transition for the law school, one of Kentucky's primary institutions for legal education. The selection has sparked broader questions about university governance and partisan considerations in academic leadership appointments.