College of Law Dean LaVonda Reed has appointed two new faculty fellows at Georgia State University College of Law, signaling the start of an exciting new academic chapter. This fall, Professors Anne Tucker and Jonathan Todres begin an enriching journey of scholarly engagement and leadership development.
“I am excited to appoint Professor Jonathan Todres and Professor Anne Tucker as dean’s faculty fellows. Both are long-serving and respected members of the College of Law faculty who are dedicated to the future success of our college,” said LaVonda Reed, dean of the College of Law.
“This fellowship program was created in 2022 to provide leadership and administrative opportunities for faculty to advance special projects and priorities for the College of Law,” she added.
The fellowship is aimed at nurturing academic excellence and fostering leadership among faculty members.
The faculty fellowship is a testament to the College of Law’s commitment to progressing and empowering faculty members. Tucker, who is an expert in the field of corporate governance and social enterprise, brings a wealth of experience to the fellowship. Her research has significantly influenced corporate law and governance practices, and her involvement in the program promises to enrich the academic community even further. Tucker’s focus is on research and faculty development.
“I am currently a co-chair of the [faculty] promotion and tenure committee,” Tucker explained.
“There are several outstanding issues related to our promotion manuals and faculty governance documents that impact my role as the P&T co-chair and will become a part of my work portfolio for the coming academic year.”
In parallel with her responsibilities on the promotion and tenure committee, Professor Tucker envisions her role as an opportunity to further engage with colleagues in their research pursuits and provide the necessary support for the success of faculty members of all ranks, she said.
Similarly, Jonathan Todres, distinguished university professor and professor of law, a leading scholar in children's rights whose work covers both U.S. and global issues affecting child well-being, assumes his role as a faculty fellow in global affairs and international law. With his research acumen and passion for advocating on behalf of vulnerable populations, Todres anticipates making significant strides in addressing critical global challenges.
“Working in international spaces presents such a rich opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, collaboration, and learning. And there are also many wonderful opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways to communities across the globe,” Todres shared.
Todres explained how he hopes to create opportunities for global engagement for students at the College of Law.
“As a dean’s fellow, I have been asked to assess and identify needs and opportunities for the College of Law in the international law sphere.”
Both Tucker and Todres have the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and academic networking to broaden their perspectives.
“I hope that I expand my network of trusted colleagues within the COL and at other institutions where we sponsor faculty exchanges,” Tucker said.
As faculty fellows, Tucker and Todres will collaborate with scholars and leaders within the legal community.
Tucker's role as a dean's faculty fellow involves shadowing the current Associate Dean for Research and Development, Timothy Lytton, to gain insights into his responsibilities for when she assumes the role in the 2024-2025 academic year.
“I am a lifelong learner, and any new role means that I will learn new skills and vantage points. I like the idea of knowing more about the COL and the larger university and how it works.”
Though the Dean’s Faculty Fellowship is a growing endeavor, it follows the footsteps of the inaugural faculty fellow, Associate Professor of Law Courtney Anderson, who also serves as the associate dean of academic affairs.
Both Tucker and Todres expressed excitement about this opportunity.
The fellowship’s commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both fellows and the legal community at large.
“There is so much in international law that shapes our day-to-day lives. As such, providing educational and training opportunities for students on global issues and international law is not just about offering something unique and different, it’s about ensuring our students have the training they need to succeed as lawyers in the 21st century,” Todres stated.
-Written by Maya Carpenter