University of Missouri Provost Garnett Stokes named the new law school dean today in a press release. Lyrissa Barnett Lidsky currently serves as the associate dean for University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, and she has been teaching for 23 years.
“We’re excited to have her here as the School of Law enters a new era of innovation marked by collaboration that strengthens the student experience; contributes to greater scholarly success; and elevates the visibility of the School of Law and MU as one of the nation’s strongest land-grant research universities,” Provost Garnett Stokes wrote in a press release.
Lidsky will replace Kenneth Dean, who was appointed interim dean in the fall. Lidsky will have a number of different duties as dean, including hiring faculty and staff and being responsible for strategic planning and budgeting.
Bob Bailey, an assistant dean emeritus in the law school, participated in the search committee for a new dean. He said Lidsky was one of four final applicants chosen to be interviewed by the school.
“Larissa stood out because of her commitment to teaching and students and her desire to be a very hands-on, involved, committed, internal and external dean,” Bailey said.
Lidksy has won numerous teaching awards, according to the press release from Provost Stokes. Her research focuses on the relationship between tort law and the First Amendment. Lidksy has written and co-authored multiple articles, casebooks and reference books.
“We’re really glad she’s going to be here, and we’re looking forward to July 1 when she starts permanently,” Bailey said.
NOTE: A previous version of this story misspelled Lidsky's first name as "Larissa."