Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Courtney Anderson has been appointed interim dean of Georgia State University College of Law beginning on July 1, 2024.
“The College of Law has been home to me for over a decade, and it is an honor to represent the law community as interim dean. The students, staff and faculty have worked to create opportunities for learning, advocacy and professional growth that I plan to continue to cultivate throughout my term,” said Anderson, who will temporarily succeed Dean LaVonda N. Reed. Dean Reed joined the College of Law in 2021.
Anderson is also a professor of law and was appointed associate dean of Academic Affairs in 2023. She is responsible for coordinating the academic affairs of the law school including the development and management of curricular matters in compliance with the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools accreditation standards, along with ensuring compliance with policies administered by the University System of Georgia and Georgia State University.
Sam Donaldson, professor of law, will move into Anderson’s position and serve as the interim associate dean of Academic Affairs starting May 1. Before becoming a faculty member at the COL, Donaldson previously served as an associate dean for Academic Administration and the director of the University of Washington School of Law’s graduate program in Taxation. Donaldson was also a five-time recipient of the “Philip A. Trautman Professor of the Year,” award presented by the law school’s Student Bar Association.
“I am delighted to join Interim Dean Anderson’s team and honored by the chance to serve the College of Law community as interim associate dean for Academic Affairs. I hope to continue Dean Anderson’s excellent work in this role, and look forward to working with students, staff, and faculty to continue offering an academic program of unparalleled quality,” said Donaldson.
“The search for a new Dean is always a long and involved process, but the College of Law still marches forward. I am dedicated to making sure the law school’s academic program runs smoothly during the transition,” he added.
Associate Dean Anderson said Professor Donaldson has been a mentor and friend to her since they joined the College of Law together in 2012 and she’s confident that his addition to the leadership team and interim associate dean of Academic Affairs will provide continued support to the COL community.
Georgia State University is expected to conduct a national search for a permanent dean later this year.
“I appreciate the support from our university partners, alumni and friends who have dedicated their time to the College of Law’s success and I know that we will work together effectively to advance the institution,” said Anderson.