Objection from ‘external stakeholders’ reverse hiring of UA law school dean

The University of Arkansas has rescinded its decision to hire Emily Suski as the university’s Law School dean less than a week after announcing she would begin as the new dean on July 1.

University officials did not provide details on the decision, other than to cite “feedback from external stakeholders.”

“After receiving feedback from key external stakeholders about the fit between Professor Suski and the university’s vacancy, the university has decided to go a different direction in filling the vacancy,” noted a statement. “University officials are very grateful for Professor Suski’s interest in the position and continue to hold Professor Suski in high regard. We wish Professor Suski well as she moves forward with her career.”

John Thomas, UA director of media relations and core communications, said there is nothing definitive on what will happen next.

“Cynthia Nance is still the current dean of the U of A Law School and will continue in that role through June as previously planned,” Thomas noted in a response to Talk Business & Politics. “Next steps for the search are being determined. Beyond that, we have nothing further to add at this time.”

SUSKI BACKGROUND
Suski was one of four finalists for the job that has been open for almost two years. She has been a faculty member at the University of South Carolina School of Law since 2016, and was associate dean for clinics and externships from 2022 to 2025 before becoming associate dean for strategic and institutional priorities.

She’s the founding faculty director of Carolina Health Advocacy Medicolegal Partnership and affiliate assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Before joining the University of South Carolina, she was a faculty member at Georgia State University College of Law, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of Virginia School of Law. She was also a staff attorney for the JustChildren Program of the Legal Aid Justice Center in Charlottesville, Va.

‘VEILED THREATS’
In a social media post, Rep. Nicole Clowney, D-Fayetteville, alleged that Suski’s employment offer was pulled after certain members of the Arkansas Legislature “and one constitutional officer” objected to Suski’s political views and threatened the university’s budget if she was hired.

“I am still gathering information but based on what I’ve learned so far, it seems clear that what happened is a horrifying, unprecedented, and absolutely unconstitutional abuse of state power,” Clowney noted.

According to Clowney, the objection rose from Suski’s support of a lawsuit challenging laws about transgender athletes in sports.

“Veiled threats and comments behind closed doors about the political leanings of University of Arkansas faculty and staff are nothing new, sadly,” Clowney wrote. “But state elected officials threatening to withhold funding to the entire School based on the political beliefs of the newly hired Dean is a new, terrifying low.

“It is quite literally state government prohibiting the free exercise of speech. This move will irrevocably undermine morale of faculty and staff who already live in a state of constant fear of retaliation for expressing their personal beliefs. It will frighten anyone who is considering moving to Arkansas to work at the U of A. And because it was successful, it will be the first in a long line of similar First Amendment violations until we stand up and say no.”

Senate President Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, provided the following statement to Talk Business & Politics.

“Diversity of thought should be at every institution of higher ed. In my opinion, the inability to understand the difference between a man and a woman disqualifies one from leading educators at any taxpayer funded institution of higher ed in Arkansas.”

The Philadelphia-based Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) also weighed in on the university’s decision.

“The University of Arkansas’ shameful capitulation to political pressure betrays its commitment to Professor Suski and threatens the rights of all who teach, study, and work there,” said FIRE Legal Director Will Creeley. “The message to every dean, professor, and researcher is unmistakable: Your job hinges on whether politicians approve of your views. Political interference in academic decisionmaking must be rejected. When universities make hiring decisions based on politics, left or right, academic freedom gets weaker and campuses grow quieter.”

LAW SCHOOL DEAN FINALISTS
Following were the other finalists for the post.
Oren Griffin
Griffin is a professor of law at The University of Tulsa College of Law. From 2022-2025, he served as the dean of the college and the Chapman Endowed Chair. His experience in higher education spans more than 20 years. Prior to his roles at The University of Tulsa College of Law, he served as a professor of law, associate dean for academic affairs and associate dean for strategic initiatives at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. He has also served as a practicing attorney with large and midsize law firms.

William Corbett
Corbett is a professor of law at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center of Louisiana State University (LSU Law), where he has been a faculty member for more than 34 years. He is also the executive director of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, a position he has held since 2001. Throughout his time at LSU Law, he has served as interim vice chancellor, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, interim co-dean and interim dean. In addition, Corbett served as a visiting faculty member at William & Mary and the University of Georgia. Prior to joining LSU Law, Corbett was a practicing attorney at Burr & Forman, in Birmingham, Ala.

Colin Crawford
Crawford is the dean and a professor of law at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Prior to his current role, he served as dean and a professor of law at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco and the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Before becoming an academic administrator, Crawford held faculty positions at Tulane University and Georgia State University College of Law.