The University of Washington Law School's Interim Dean, Professor Gregory Hicks, has been named as one of the five candidates in consideration for the permanent position as dean of the University of Minnesota's law school.

According to The Minnesota Daily, the process for selecting a dean at the University of Minnesota began last May. Typically, candidates do not apply for deanships; rather, they are nominated by others, and often courted by other law schools in recognition of their academic contributions.

The Minnesota Daily reported that Hicks is among a group of candidates who "possess an extraordinary range and depth of academic strength, leadership experience and insight."

Whether Hicks is considering making the jump is unknown, as he was unavailable for comment at press time.

"Dean Hicks most definitely has not been asked to leave the UW. He has been a valued member of the faculty for 20 years," UW associate dean Lisa Kelly said. "I believe that it is a testament to the reputation of Dean Hicks that he is involved in the Minnesota search process."

Norm Arkans, the executive director for media relations and communications at the UW, agrees that Hicks has been an asset to the University.

"Institutional leadership is very fluid, so I am not surprised that the University of Minnesota is interested in him," Arkans said. "Of course, he is still a finalist and has not yet been selected. He has yet to leave."

Hicks has been a member of the University of Washington's law school faculty since 1984 and the interim dean since June 16, 2007. He teaches classes in property, water law and public land and natural resources law.

He accepted the interim position to allow the University of Washington time to properly select a permanent dean, following the controversial departure of former dean W.H. "Joe" Knight. After six years serving as dean, Knight resigned last January amid allegations that he was misusing university resources.

Knight, a UW professor, said that the allegations had nothing to do with his retirement, but rather that his tenure had lasted longer than was to be expected, and that it was time to move on and allow someone else to take the reigns.

The UW Office of the Provost has been actively searching for a new dean since last June. Finalists have yet to be announced.

[Reach reporter Chris Heide at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]