Touching the Future - Jim Alfini steps down as Dean and President

by Heather Kushnerick, Special Collections Librarian

As we look forward to Dean Donald Guter joining the South Texas family, one can’t help but think that we are losing a great advocate and friend in Dean Alfini. (Ok, so we aren’t really losing him, he’s just relocating to the sixth floor.) While we look forward to the future with our new Dean and President, let’s take a moment to look back at Dean Alfini's contributions to legal education.

James Alfini became the ninth dean and president of South Texas College of Law on August 1, 2003. Prior to joining the South Texas, he served as Dean of Northern Illinois University College of Law, and taught at NIU, Florida State University College of Law, Chicago-Kent School of Law, Hamline University School of Law and Santa Clara University School of Law. He has expertise in judicial ethics and dispute resolution. He served as the Director of Education and Research of the Florida Dispute Resolution Center and was a member of the Florida Supreme Court Arbitration and Mediation Rules Committee. He has served as the chair of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section and the Chair of the AALS Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. Under his deanship, South Texas created the Centers of Excellence and stressed the importance of pro bono work. He has published numerous books and articles, a selection of which is on display in the Library lobby along with photos and other items from the Archives until the end of the summer.

Jim Alfini will step down as Dean this summer and join the faculty full-time. While we know he will still be an advocate for the school and the students, we will miss his leadership. Enjoy your "retirement," Dean Alfini!