KU News Release

KU law alumna, visiting professor chosen as law dean at University of Montana

Irma Russell

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas School of Law alumna and visiting professor will become the next dean of the University of Montana School of Law.

Irma Russell, a legal scholar and national leader in environmental and energy law and professional responsibility, will be the school’s first female dean.

Russell is now a professor at the University of Tulsa College of Law, serving as the National Energy-Environment Law and Policy Institute Professor. She is teaching a contracts course this semester as a visiting professor at the KU School of Law.

Russell also is chair of the Innovations Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Resources and has held leadership roles on a number of other national committees. She is the chair of the Professionalism Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.

“Professor Russell rates ‘outstanding’ in every category,” said University of Montana 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 duties July 1. E. Edwin Eck, dean of the University of Montana School of Law since 1995, announced last fall that he would step down from his position at the conclusion of this academic year and return to the law faculty.

“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,” said Russell, a Kansas native. “The law school is on the cutting edge of providing an educational experience that helps students develop professional values and skills as well as knowledge of the law.”

Russell will assume the dean position as the University of Montana 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. The new building provides a wonderful setting for learning and teaching and a uniquely suited environment to continue outreach and collaboration with alumni, judges, practicing lawyers and other leaders of the area.”

Russell is a three-time graduate of KU; she earned two undergraduate degrees and a master’s in English literature. She completed her law degree in 1980 and previously served as a visiting professor at the law school from 1982 to 1984.

“We have enjoyed welcoming Irma home to Green Hall as a visiting faculty member,” said Gail Agrawal, dean of the KU School of Law. “And as her legal alma mater, we take great pride in her and her many professional accomplishments.”

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