By Farris Willingham, Editor-in-Chief
President Robert Henry announced Federal Magistrate Judge Valerie Couch as the new dean of the law school.
“This is a remarkable Christmas present for Oklahoma City University,” he said. “Judge Couch will be an exceptional dean.
“She has been involved with our law school as an adjunct faculty member for a decade, and her rapport with students and faculty is sterling, as is her reputation within the legal community.”
Paula Dalley, professor of law, led a yearlong, nationwide search committee that considered many applicants.
“Judge Couch particularly impressed us with her enthusiasm for OCU LAW, her leadership ability, and her prominence in the legal community,” she said.
Couch received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from University of California at Los Angeles.
She continued her education at the University of Oklahoma, where she obtained a master’s degree in English literature and a juris doctor degree.
Couch has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Oklahoma City since March 1999.
“Oklahoma City University is the most interesting and exciting place to be in Oklahoma right now, and I am thrilled to be joining President Robert Henry and all the faculty, students and staff at a pivotal time in the university’s history,” she said. “As a practicing lawyer and judge in Oklahoma City, I have been an eyewitness to the impressive changes at the OCU School of Law over the last 28 years.
“It has become a resourceful, vibrant, innovative and productive place with superb faculty, talented and generous students and a noble tradition of service to the community, and I am so pleased to become a part of that.”
Couch will begin her official university duties July 1.
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