Roscoe Jones Jr. Becomes First-Ever Black Dean at Drake University

Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has named Roscoe Jones Jr. dean of the Drake Law School. This is the first time a Black person has been appointed to the role of dean in Drake University’s history. Jones will begin his new position on July 1st. Speaking to Jones’ appointment, Sue Mattison, provost at Drake University stated, “Roscoe’s talents and experience leave him uniquely suited to advance the Law School’s mission to prepare students to promote justice, serve their communities, and uphold ideals of ethics and professionalism in their future endeavors.” Jones has a wide breadth of experience in law, government relations, and academics. Currently, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan School of Law, as well as a partner at the Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher law firm located in Washington, D.C. In addition to these two roles, Jones is chair of the Board of the American Constitution Society, as well as secretary for the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Earlier in his career, Jones served in numerous governmental advising positions including chief of staff to United States Representative Abigail Spanberger, legislative director to Senator Dianne Feinstein, and senior counsel to Senator Cory Booker. Jones...