The University of Idaho has named Michael Satz, associate dean in the College of Law, to serve as interim dean of the college, effective June 1. Satz succeeds Don Burnett, who was named interim president of the University of Idaho. When Burnett accepted the interim university presidency, he said he would neither return to the dean's position nor apply for the permanent presidency; he will retain his faculty status after his interim presidency. Satz joined the U of I as an associate professor in the College of Law in 2006; he was appointed associated dean for faculty affairs in 2012. The university said it will begin a national search to identify candidates for permanent College of Law dean; click below for the UI's full announcement.

University of Idaho Announces Interim Dean at College of Law

Thursday, May 30

MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho has appointed Michael Satz, associate dean in the College of Law, to serve as the college’s interim dean. He takes up the post June 1.

Satz succeeds Don Burnett, who was named interim president of the University of Idaho.

“Michael brings a great depth of experience and a sense of continuity in his new position,” said Katherine Aiken, provost and executive vice president. “His leadership as a professor and administrator will greatly benefit our faculty, students and institution.”

Satz’s duties will include: fostering a culture of empowerment, optimism, equity, trust, integrity and respect; strengthening collaborative and participatory processes to develop integrative solutions; enhance vertical and horizontal communications, advancing the Boise Law School initiatives; and continuing to pursue fundraising efforts.

Satz came to the University of Idaho in 2006 as an associate professor for the College of Law. He has taught courses in consumer law, creditors’ rights and secured transactions, contracts, property security, critical legal studies, and architecture and the law. He earned tenure in 2011 and was appointed as the associate dean for faculty affairs for the College of Law in 2012.

He received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He later received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Prior to coming to the University of Idaho, Satz worked for Nissan North American, Inc., Counsel.

“I am both excited and humbled by the trust the university administration and my faculty colleagues have placed in me to be the steward for the College of Law during this period of transition for the State of Idaho's only public law school,” said Satz. “I am looking forward to working with the college faculty, staff, students, alumni and university administration to maintain the college's high standards and to provide our students with the very best legal education possible. Go Vandals!”

The university will begin a national search to identify candidates for consideration as the university’s next permanent College of Law dean.
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About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho inspires students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Through the university’s $225 million Inspiring Futures capital campaign, private giving will enhance student learning, faculty research and innovation, and a spirit of enterprise. Learn more: www.uidaho.edu.