Law Center Chancellor John Costonis has announced his plans to step down from his leadership role at the Law Center, effective July 1, 2007, at which time he will return to the faculty as Professor of Law.
In a prepared statement shared with students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the Chancellor enumerates several factors leading to his decision. Chief among those, according to the Chancellor, is that, “virtually all of the objectives that I set for the Law Center upon my arrival in 1999 will have been achieved by 2007.” The Chancellor also described his almost 20 years in leadership roles, the need for periodic change in leadership to ensure vitality in an organization, his age, and his preferred role as a “builder and innovator” as factors in his decision to retire and return to teaching.
“A new spirit of community and inclusiveness is emerging at the Law Center,” said the Chancellor. “I believe we can all be proud of the transformation of the Law Center’s admissions program and of the respect and attention now afforded our students once they have been admitted.” Under his leadership, the Law Center has moved from fourth to second tier ratings by U.S. News and World Report, completed a $15 million renovation, rebuilt its Library collection resulting in a rating of 19th best in the nation among the 180 law libraries, and doubled the spending per student. In addition, the Chancellor has improved career services, information technology, website and conventional communications, legal writing, continuing legal education, and development and alumni relations programs at the Law Center during his seven-year tenure. He credits numerous officials at the state level and LSU for the school’s success over recent years. The Chancellor also commended faculty, staff, and students for their talents and energies in implementing the changes. “I have been blessed with the support of individuals and groups committed to ushering in a new day for Louisiana higher education,” said the Chancellor.
