Kent Barnett Named Dean of Moritz College of Law
The Ohio State University is excited to welcome Kent Barnett as the 21st dean of the Moritz College of Law. Barnett comes to Ohio State from his position as associate dean for academic affairs and the J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law at the University of Georgia School of Law. His term begins August 15.
“The Moritz College of Law has an established track record of serving the state and nation through its experiential programs, excellent preparation of lawyers and its ability to improve social mobility for Ohio citizens,” said Barnett. “I look forward to building on this legacy.”
Barnett will succeed Lincoln Davies, who served as dean for four years. L. Camille Hébert, Robert J. Lynn Chair in Law, has led the College as acting dean since February.
Barnett brings exceptional experience as a lawyer and leader to his new role. With a focus on strategic efforts in and outside the classroom, Barnett will continue to advance the College’s reputation as a top-ranking institution.
“Moritz is a jewel in Ohio State’s crown because of the university’s longstanding support and the community’s deep engagement,” said Barnett. “Its dedicated students, alumni, faculty, staff and university administration have a shared vision of a world-class public law school — one whose graduates have limitless opportunities.”
Barnett’s commitment to students has been evident throughout his career. At the University of Georgia, he led the implementation of several procedures and programs that improved student satisfaction. This included a “Common Grounds” program to encourage students to have difficult, civil conversations on controversial topics and a series of lunches with student leaders to address concerns and improve inclusivity at the law school. Barnett received the C. Ronald Ellington Award for Excellence in Teaching, the school’s highest teaching honor, and was selected to serve as a faculty marshal by three graduating classes for commencement ceremonies.
A scholar specializing in administrative law, contracts, and consumer law, Barnett's work has been cited by leading administrative law casebooks and by federal district and appellate courts. His research focuses on the separation of powers in the federal administrative state, administrative adjudication, and judicial review of agency action. Because of his expertise, Barnett serves as an appointed public member of the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), an independent federal agency that provides research and recommendations to agencies and Congress to improve the federal bureaucracy.
Before joining the faculty at University of Georgia, Barnett was the inaugural visiting assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Law. He also previously served as a judicial clerk for Judge John Rogers of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and was a member of the complex commercial litigation and appellate groups at Weil, Gotshal & Manges. Barnett earned his undergraduate degree in art history summa cum laude from Centre College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He then received his law degree summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as articles editor of the Kentucky Law Journal.
Read the full announcement from the university here.
