The University of Missouri Law School dean is stepping down, but will take on another faculty role at the law school.
Dean Gary Myers announced Friday that he's resigning effective Aug. 14. Myers was named in a lawsuit filed Wednesday against Myers and the university over a public-records request.
In the suit, former Republican Rep. Kevin Elmer claims associate professor Josh Hawley conspired with Myers to keep Hawley's school emails private. Hawley is running for attorney general and faces an Aug. 2 Republican primary.
MU spokesperson Christian Basi says Myers met multiple times over the last few months with the MU Provost to discuss making a move like this.
“This decision has been something that Dean Myers has been thinking about for several months, and so the lawsuit that was recently filed has had absolutely, was not a factor at all in his decision to step down,” Basi said.
Myers said in an email Friday to law school faculty, staff and students that he's been discussing his plans for months. He'll continue as a faculty member and plans to work on books and other projects.
Myers was named dean in 2012. Senior Associate Provost Kenneth Dean will serve as interim dean.
Here is the text of Myers’ email to faculty, staff and student in the MU Law School:
Dear Colleagues, In the last few months, I have had a number of conversations with Provost Garnett Stokes regarding my future plans. I am writing to share with you my decision to step away as Dean of the University of Missouri School of Law at the end of the summer. As I complete my fourth year as Dean, the Law School has established a Center for Intellectual Property & Entrepreneurship, created new experiential opportunities for students to participate in the Veterans Clinic and the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic, expanded scholarship offerings in the highly competitive law school environment, upgraded its classroom facilities, and hired outstanding faculty members in both lateral and entry-level positions. The Law School continues to build on its many strengths, and I am confident that it will continue to do so in the future. The Provost will soon be announcing my decision and naming an interim dean who will begin duties on August 15, 2016. I look forward to working on two book projects and various interdisciplinary initiatives in the new academic year. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. I have enjoyed working with each of you during my time as dean. Best regards, Gary
