Santa Clara University names Lisa Kloppenberg new law school dean

Lisa A Kloppenberg

Santa Clara University has named a new law school dean, former University of Dayton law school dean Lisa Kloppenberg. Kloppenberg will replace outgoing dean Donald Polden, who is stepping down after his second five year term at the head of the law school and will be returning to teaching full time at the school.

Kloppenberg is an expert on mediation, dispute resolution and reform of law school curriculum, according to a release by Santa Clara University announcing the appointment. She spent 10 years as dean of the law school at the University of Dayton in Dayton OH, which is one of the largest private Catholic universities in the country.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunities at Santa Clara University School of Law,” Kloppenberg said in a prepared statement. “I am impressed by the University’s Jesuit and justice-centered values; its deep connections with Silicon Valley and the world; and the amazing faculty, staff, alumni, and students I am honored to be joining.”

Prior to Dayton, Kloppenberg taught law at the University of Oregon, and practiced it at Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays and Handler in Washington, D.C. She has her JD from the University of Southern California Law Center.