MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland was appointed as dean of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
Strickland who worked as the 64th mayor of Memphis will go back to his alma mater first as a professor, but will eventually serve as dean in the upcoming months, The U of M said Tuesday.
"I am honored to be named Dean of the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, my alma mater. We have a very good law school with a strong faculty, a well-rounded student body, great alumni, a supportive university administration and the best facility in the nation,” said Strickland.
A graduate of University of Memphis for both undergrad and law school, Strickland worked as an adjunct instructor from 1989 to 1996. He later served as mayor for the City of Memphis for two terms from 2016 until December of 2023. Before that he served in the City Council from 2008 until 2015.
“Jim Strickland’s experience in law practice, public service and administration will complement the teaching, research and engaged scholarship talents of our outstanding law faculty,” said David J. Russomanno, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
Strickland's new salary has not yet been made public, but the previous law school dean made $319,000 per year, according to the U of M's online database, nearly double what Strickland made as Memphis' mayor.
The university says the former mayor will rejoin the law school as a professor of practice on April 8 and assume the deanship on June 1.