Penn State Dickinson Law has appointed an interim dean following the recent departure of Dean Danielle M. Conway, who has returned to the faculty. ([psu.edu](https://www.psu.edu/news/administration/story/penn-state-dickinson-law-dean-danielle-conway-return-faculty?utm_source=openai))
Conway, who also held the position of Donald J. Farage Professor of Law, joined Penn State Dickinson Law in July 2019 from the University of Maine School of Law, where she served as dean and professor of law. During her tenure, she led the reunification of Penn State’s two law schools—Penn State Dickinson Law in Carlisle and Penn State Law in University Park—into a single, unified, two-campus institution. ([psu.edu](https://www.psu.edu/news/administration/story/penn-state-dickinson-law-dean-danielle-conway-return-faculty?utm_source=openai))
In the interim, Laura Williams has been appointed as acting dean. ([psu.edu](https://www.psu.edu/news/administration/story/penn-state-dickinson-law-dean-danielle-conway-return-faculty?utm_source=openai))
Conway’s departure comes shortly after her induction as president of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) in January 2026. In her inaugural address, she emphasized the importance of the rule of law and the role of legal education in serving the public good. ([aals.org](https://www.aals.org/2026-aals-leadership/?utm_source=openai))
The university has not provided specific reasons for Conway’s decision to step down as dean. ([psu.edu](https://www.psu.edu/news/administration/story/penn-state-dickinson-law-dean-danielle-conway-return-faculty?utm_source=openai))
Penn State Dickinson Law, established in 1834 as Pennsylvania’s first law school, offers J.D., LL.M., M.L.S., and S.J.D. programs. The institution emphasizes experiential learning and maintains a commitment to building and sustaining community. ([bulletins.psu.edu](https://bulletins.psu.edu/law/general-information/about/?utm_source=openai))
The university has not yet announced a timeline for appointing a permanent dean. ([psu.edu](https://www.psu.edu/news/administration/story/penn-state-dickinson-law-dean-danielle-conway-return-faculty?utm_source=openai))