UK Law Dean Pick Faces Faculty Revolt and Governor’s Rebuke

Overview

• Gov. Andy Beshear this week questioned the choice of federal judge Greg Van Tatenhove to lead the University of Kentucky law school and urged leaders to reconsider.
• The provost called an emergency meeting, according to Above the Law, with a Board of Trustees vote to confirm the appointment expected later this week.
• Faculty emails reported by the Courier Journal said a substantial majority deemed the judge unacceptable, raising flags because ABA guidance discourages appointing a dean over broad faculty objection and generally expects the dean to be tenure-eligible.
• University spokesperson Jay Blanton said the search followed the usual process and described faculty feedback as largely positive, while the law school visiting committee chair praised the judge’s legal and administrative experience.
• Reporting on the judge’s federal disclosures shows gifts and travel reimbursements from major UK donors Kelly and Joe Craft, which has fueled concerns that outside funders influenced the decision.