UK, Beshear issue statements on dean of Rosenberg College of Law position

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear shared a statement Tuesday regarding a new job created at the University of Kentucky.

In a social media post, Beshear stated,

“I am losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned with the management and decision-making at the University of Kentucky. My concerns include the creation of a new $1 million job that has no defined duties and the announcement that the new dean of law was the only candidate not recommended by law school faculty. I’ve been told that despite previously saying the dean must be approved by UK’s Board of Trustees, the university has shifted and now states that approval is not needed. I worry that these actions are related to certain donors pushing partisan and undue outside influence onto the university. I hope students, faculty, trustees and the community attend this week’s board meetings and ask the tough questions that should be answered.”

In response, the following statement was issued by UK Spokesperson Jay Blanton:

“We appreciate and always respect the governor’s interest and feedback. We take it seriously, but respectfully disagree with his assessment. In Judge Van Tatenhove we have someone who will be an outstanding Dean for the Rosenberg College of Law. With more than two decades of experience and an exemplary record on the federal courts, as well as years as a U.S. Attorney and in public service, he is the right leader, with the right skills and the right background and expertise at a critical moment for the college.”

According to a report by UK Now, Van Tatenhove’s position was announced on March 6.

The report further states at the time Van Tatenhove was named to the position, he served “as district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.”

Learn more about the UK Rosenberg College of Law here.