University of Denver Sturm College of Law Dean José Roberto (Beto) Juárez announced today he will step down as dean effective July 1 to dedicate more time to scholarship and teaching.
Juárez has been DU’s law dean since 2006. He plans to spend the 2009 – 10 academic year engaged in research and travel before returning to the Sturm College of Law in fall 2010 as a member of the faculty.
“My tenure as dean has been extraordinarily rewarding,” Juárez said. “It has been wonderful to work with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the College of Law and with colleagues throughout the University of Denver.”
Juárez helped oversee an 18-percent increase in faculty, including additions to the Academic Excellence Program and the Environmental and Natural Resources Program; a significant boost in support of the faculty scholarship program; the creation of a Clinical Fellows Program; and expanded international internship opportunities in Europe and South and Central America.
On Juárez’ watch, the college increased student selectivity and decreased the size of entering classes. The school has created advising and mentoring programs for first-year students, increased the number of endowed scholarships and increased the number of nationally recognized programs, which include programs in environmental and natural resources law, lawyering process, tax law, international law and clinical practice.
Chancellor Robert Coombe thanked Juárez for his efforts and wished him the best in future endeavors.
“The last few years have framed an important transition in the life of the Sturm College of Law, and Dean Beto Juárez has done an admirable job at positioning the college for a major advance,” Coombe said. “We are grateful for his good work during this critical time.”