Though only at the University of Idaho for less than three months, College of Law Dean Mark Adams said he is already working hard to contribute to the success of the college and its students.
UI appointed Mark Adams as dean of the College of Law last March, and Adams officially took office on June 22.
“This is an exciting time to be at the University of Idaho,” Adams said. “There’s a new president and lots of energy on campus, and I have seen an impressive amount of support for the university on campus and in the community.”
The College of Law is the only accredited public law school in the state of Idaho, and sees an average of 300 enrollments and 100 graduates each year. Adams said the enrollment stability and attraction of living in the scenic and active area of the Northwest were helpful deciding factors for him to accept the position.
“The university is in a marvelous position right now,” Adams said. “Enrollment in the College of Law went up significantly this fall, as did our number of students who transferred here to finish their degree. While nation-wide law school enrollment and graduation rates have dropped over the last decade or so, Idaho has remained fairly consistent.”
Adams most recently served as vice dean at Valparaiso Law School in Indiana, after serving as the director for the school’s international program.
During his time at Valparaiso, Adams developed programs that created opportunities for transfer students with foreign law degrees, as well as for student and faculty to participate in international exchanges, such as in Argentina and Chile. Adams said he intends to bring similar ideas to his new leadership position that will put UI on the map.
“Our faculty has already been talking about creating more opportunities in international offerings and offerings in areas like Boise,” Adams said. “If we can develop these opportunities, we’ll be able to play a greater role in intellectual properties and offer our students more avenues for success.”
College of Law Associate Dean Jeff Dodge said he is excited to welcome Adams, and shares Adams’ enthusiasm for international connectivity and student success.
“Dean Adams has an incredible amount of experience and outside perspective to offer,” he said. “He has good goals that will be helpful to both the students and the college.”
Before Valparaiso University, Adams was an attorney at the firm of Davis Wright Tremaine in Seattle. Adams graduated from Williams College in 1983 with a bachelor’s of arts, and from the University of Chicago in 1988 with a Juris Doctorate.
Today, Adams appreciates the affordability of the UI College of Law. He said it provides opportunity and potential for students to meet the need of small-town legal positions that are prevalent in Idaho and across the country.
Additionally, Adams said that the college currently has a respectable bar exam-pass and job placement rates.
“Our students are doing quite well,” Adams said. “We can continue to work to support students and maintain the integrity and growth of our reputation in the Northwest, and even nationally.”
Dodge said he holds Adams and his professional experience in high regard.
“Dean Adams is level-headed and deliberate in accomplishing his goals,” Dodge said. “He has valuable administrative background, and we are looking forward to having Dean Adams on our team.”
Adams said he draws from his own experiences as a student, lawyer and teacher as he joins the College of Law and UI.
“I’m thrilled to be moving forward with this university,” Adams said. “The future is very bright.”
Cara Pantone can be reached at [email protected]