Professor Paula Casey has been named interim dean for the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law by Interim Provost Dr. Sandra L. Robertson. Casey’s tenure will begin July 1, and she will serve until the new dean is selected.

Casey is a former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. She served on the Bowen faculty from 1978 to 1993 and rejoined it in 2001.

While Casey was with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she was recognized four times by the FBI for special achievement and received a meritorious achievement award in 1997 from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. From 1991 to 1993 — while on leave from UALR — she served as chief counsel and legislative assistant to Sen. Dale Bumpers.

“Professor Casey served ably as associate dean of the UALR Bowen School of Law from 1986 to 1991, and she also served with distinction in public roles outside the university,” said UALR Chancellor Joel E. Anderson. “She is well-prepared to lead the Bowen School of Law and continue the good work of her predecessors.”

Casey will succeed Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy John DiPippa. In December, he announced he was stepping down after four years of leadership.

Casey has published in the areas of federal criminal prosecution, family, juvenile, and insurance law. She has taught Lawyering Skills, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Advanced Litigation, Family Law, and Property.