President Glassner names Janet Steverson as dean of diversity and inclusion

President Glassner has announced the appointment of Janet Steverson, Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence at Lewis & Clark Law School, as dean of diversity and inclusion, effective this summer.

“In my new role, I look forward to the opportunity to deepen my engagement with the entire Lewis & Clark community: students, faculty, and staff at all three schools, and beyond. The work we have begun together around issues of diversity and inclusion will be my primary and welcome focus,” said Steverson.

At Lewis & Clark since 1990, Steverson currently serves and will continue to serve as the chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. In 2009 she was named Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence for her dedication to each student’s success and the ways in which she “enriches the academic experience with pragmatism, rigor, and humor.” The Class of 2013 honored Steverson with the Leo Levenson Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“A dynamic and respected member of the faculty who has long been dedicated to matters of diversity and inclusion, Janet is uniquely qualified for this new position,” said Glassner. “Her commitment to working with students and her experience on matters of pedagogy, curriculum, admissions, and hiring will allow her to hit the ground running and increase the pace of our efforts.”

In her role, Steverson will report to President Glassner, serve as a member of Executive Council, and work closely with other deans, the provost, faculty, staff and students across the institution. The dean of diversity and inclusion is responsible for the strategy and implementation of Lewis & Clark’s commitment to a safe, welcoming, and equitable learning community.

Steverson earned her BA from the State University of New York at Brockport and her JD from Harvard Law School. Before joining Lewis & Clark Law School, she was an associate at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C. At Lewis & Clark Law School Steverson has taught contracts, commercial law: sales, children and the law, and family law and has published on issues including children and the law, contracts, family law, and consumer warranties.