Roger Fairfax will step down from his position as dean of the American University Washington College of Law at the end of the academic year and take over the position of dean at the Howard University School of Law, according to an email sent to the AU community Thursday.
During his time as dean, Fairfax provided legal education opportunities and connected students with “pioneering legal leaders.” In his efforts to support law students, Fairfax launched a first-generation student orientation program and expanded preparation services for the bar exam, according to the email.
Fairfax also led two on-campus events regarding the Supreme Court decision to end race-conscious admissions in higher education, including the Advancing Diversity in College Admissions panel.
He chaired the search committee for the vice president of inclusive excellence and welcomed Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson for her first commencement speech as a member of the Supreme Court, according to the email.
Fairfax’s family has a “long history and connection with Howard,” and numerous members have both graduated from Howard and served as faculty and staff members.
Founded in 1896, WCL is a “vital part of American University’s history and educational mission.” It was the first law school founded by women in the world, as well as the first to have a female dean. The school also produced the first all-female graduating law class.
More information regarding the search process for a new dean will be shared in January.
Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled Fairfax's name in the headline. The article has been updated with the correct spelling.
This article was edited by Jordan Young and Abigail Pritchard. Copy editing done by Isabelle Kravis.
