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News

Nimmer named interim law dean

Professor begins work today, says Law Center is 'poised on the cusp of a great opportunity'

Cougar News Service

Raymond Nimmer, a nationally acclaimed author and professor in the UH Law Center, has been named the center's interim dean. He will replace Nancy Rapoport, who resigned last month.

As dean, Nimmer said he will continue to push the Law Center toward academic success.

"I feel privileged and excited to help lead the Law Center on its continued path toward even further excellence," Nimmer said in a release.

Provost Donald Foss said the longtime professor has necessary familiarity with the position -- he served as interim dean between 1993 and 1995 -- and the backing of the UH community.

"After consultation with faculty, staff, students and alumni, it became apparent that Ray Nimmer has broad support to lead the Law Center at this time," Foss said.

Nimmer has written a score of books on topics including computer information licensing, e-commerce and information law. He also lectures around the country on issues concerning law and technology.

Nimmer was awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in International Commercial Law at Catholic University in Lisbon, Portugal -- a prestigious appointment in the Fulbright Scholar Program -- earlier this year. Only four awards in the law expertise area were available.

Rapoport, who had been Law Center dean since 2000, resigned after the law school's slip in U.S. News & World Report standings.

The UH Law Center was at the center of student criticism when U.S. News ran an article earlier this year showing the school dropped 20 places to No. 70 in its nationwide ranking. 

Students and professors shared their feelings about the school's slide during an open meeting, and days later, Rapoport announced her resignation.

"The Law Center is poised on the cusp of a great opportunity," Nimmer said. 

"We are gifted with an excellent faculty and student body, as well as programs of national and international prominence."

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