UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Philip J. McConnaughay, dean of Penn State's Dickinson School of Law and founding dean of Penn State's School of International Affairs, has taken a position as dean of Peking University’s School of Transnational Law in Shenzhen, China. His new appointment is effective Aug. 1.

McConnaughay, who has been dean of the law school since 2002 and also serves as dean of the School of International Affairs, said that the opportunity to help Peking University continue to grow and develop its American-style J.D. program is an exciting venture that will shape future global legal services and increase international cooperation.

"Dean McConnaughay has been a leader in transnational legal practice and international arbitration. This rare opportunity for him to influence legal education on a global scale certainly speaks volumes about his expertise and skills," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "It is definitely our loss and Peking University's gain in hiring such a distinguished legal educator to lead their law school."

Penn State Law, with locations at both University Park and Carlisle, Pa., serves a total of about 600 students, who participate in a wealth of joint degree and other interdisciplinary opportunities with many of Penn State’s top-ranked graduate programs. During McConnaughay’s tenure, the law school created a two-campus model in 2006 and moved ahead with renovations and investments at both Carlisle and University Park. The appointment of more than 40 internationally renowned scholars and advocates also occurred under McConnaughay's leadership, as well as dramatic improvements in student body diversity and academic credentials. In addition, a $130 million investment in new LEED certified facilities was undertaken and significant expansion occurred in the law school’s international programs and curriculum. During his 11 years at the helm, McConnaughay oversaw the development of a nationally acclaimed distance education program, made possible by specially designed classrooms equipped with advanced audiovisual technology, as well as private gifts to the the law school that are the largest in its history. The launch of Penn State's School of International Affairs six years ago also was part of McConnaughay's portfolio, as was the creation of numerous legal clinics and collaborative international research opportunities, such as the Dubai Judicial Institute.

"Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law and our School of International Affairs have been innovative and successful ventures, of which we are extraordinarily proud," Erickson said, “and Dean McConnaughay can take great pride in all that has been accomplished under his watch.”

Source: Penn State Live

Edited by: Arthars