Law school names new dean

Irma Russell, a legal scholar and national leader in environmental and energy law, will become the next dean of the UM School of Law. She will be the school’s first female dean.
Russell now teaches at the University of Tulsa College of Law, serving as a National Energy-Environment Law and Policy Institute professor.

“Professor Russell rates ‘outstanding’ in every category,” said UM Provost Royce Engstrom. “She is a well-regarded scholar in the field of environmental and energy law, a top-notch legal educator and a respected leader capable of building upon the law school’s strengths.”

Russell will begin her new UM duties July 1. E. Edwin Eck, dean of the School of Law since 1995, announced last fall that he will step down from his position at the conclusion of this academic year and return to the law faculty.

UM President George Dennison said, “We are confident we have found the right person to lead the School of Law into the future. The law dean serves not just UM, but is entrusted with leading legal education for the entire state. It’s a special position, and Irma has the full complement of skills needed to affirm UM’s growing national standing.”

“I am delighted to be joining an outstanding law school and University committed to educating the leaders of tomorrow and serving the state of Montana,” Russell said. “The law school is on the cutting edge of providing an educational experience that helps students develop professional values and skills ­— as well as a knowledge of law.”

Russell will assume the dean position as UM enters the final stages of a substantial renovation and expansion of the Law Building. The improved building will be dedicated in September.

“This is a particularly exciting time to be at the law school,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the leadership Dean Eck brought to the role of dean.”

Russell is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she earned two undergraduate degrees, a master’s in English literature and a law degree.