Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 9, 2009) ? David A. Brennen has been named dean of the University of Kentucky College of Law ending completion of formalities and approval by the UK Board of Trustees. Brennen is joining the University of Kentucky from the University of Georgia School of Law  where he has been a professor since 2006 and from the Association of American Law Schools where he is completing a two year term as deputy director. Along with more than 15 years of experience in the classroom, Brennen is regarded as an innovator in the field of nonprofit law. He is a co-founder and co-editor of Nonprofit Law Prof Blog, founding editor of Nonprofit and Philanthropy Law Abstracts, co-founder of the AALS Section on Nonprofit and Philanthropy Law and a co-author of one of the first law school casebooks on taxation of nonprofit organizations.

Spending time both as an educator and a legal scholar, Brennen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of dean. Brennen received his bachelor?s degree in finance from Florida Atlantic University and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law, where he also received his LL.M. in tax law. In 2002, Brennen was elected to the American Law Institute where he is an adviser on its project titled, ?Principles of the Law of Nonprofit Organizations.? He is also an active member of the Florida Bar Association. Brennen has also served in leadership roles with AALS and the Society of American Law Teachers. ?I am thrilled to be joining the faculty at UK Law and leading the law school as it embarks on a mission to expand an already superb legal education program,? said Brennen. ?Despite the current fiscal challenges, the future is very bright.

There are opportunities for increased interdisciplinary activity, expanded curricular options and improved physical facilities. I also expect that UK Law will continue to have a positive influence on legal developments in all spheres ? locally, nationally and worldwide. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as dean at such a burgeoning legal institution.? Brennen will succeed Allan Vestal, who rejoined the faculty at the College of Law in August 2008 following several years of service as dean, and Louise Graham, the Wendell H. Ford Professor of Law, who served as interim dean. ?We are pleased to have dean-designate Brennen join the University of Kentucky College of Law,? said UK Provost Kumble Subbaswamy. ?In his role as deputy director of the American Association of Law Schools he has had the opportunity to observe a broad spectrum of law schools, and I am confident we will benefit from his knowledge of best practices as we continue our quest for greater national recognition.? Brennen began his career in legal education as an adjunct professor at Florida A&M University in 1994. He also taught as a professor at Syracuse University College of Law, the University of Richmond School of Law and Mercer University School of Law prior to his last position at the University of Georgia. In addition, Brennen taught as a visiting professor at the University of Alabama and Temple University. He has published four books or book chapters and written more than 25 legal articles for various publications. He is an active member of the Florida Bar - Tax Section, American Bar Association - Section of Taxation and the National Bar Association and has served on several boards and special appointments. Brennen, who is married and has three sons, will be joining UK as dean of the College of Law beginning July 1, 2009.