MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A nationally recognized criminal law expert has been selected to lead the West Virginia University College of Law.
An experienced legal scholar and administrator, Mary Graw Leary comes to Morgantown from Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law where she was a professor. She also held positions as senior associate dean for academic affairs and chair of the University’s Academic Senate.
“As West Virginia’s only law school, the WVU College of Law needs a leader that matches its unique qualities,” WVU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beverly Wendland said. “That person is Mary Graw Leary. Her experience as a legal professional and higher education administrator leaves no doubt that she will bring vision, commitment, and energy to the College of Law’s land-grant mission.”
During her nearly 20 years at the Columbus School of Law, Graw founded the Bakhita Initiative for the Study and Disruption of Modern Slavery, directed the Modern Prosecution Program, and received numerous teaching awards, including “Professor of the Year” multiple times. She also led initiatives to increase bar passage rates, review academic policies, and develop new educational opportunities for students.
“The WVU College of Law is a special place, and I’m honored to join the community here,” Graw said.
“Over nearly 150 years, this College has established itself as the Mountain State’s legal powerhouse, driving scholarship and serving the community. It is nationally recognized as an institution that produces graduates who are ready to practice law and committed to excellence and service. I’m thrilled to collaborate with our faculty, staff, and students, as well as partners in the state bench and bar, to build a vision together that advances WVU’s critical mission.”
Graw has been recognized throughout her career for her expertise in criminal law and procedure, technology, human trafficking, and victimization of marginalized peoples. Both her scholarship and leadership style are founded on a lifelong devotion to serving the public and furthering human rights.
On June 1, Graw will succeed Susan Brewer who has served for two years as interim dean of the WVU College of Law. Brewer said she plans to remain involved with the College of Law during retirement.
“Serving as dean of the WVU College of Law has been a true honor and the perfect capstone to my career,” Brewer said. “I’m tremendously thankful to the University’s leadership for offering me this opportunity and to the College of Law community for welcoming me as one of their own. Now, I join the community in welcoming Mary — she will be outstanding as our next dean.”
Candidates for the WVU College of Law dean were identified by a WVU search committee with the help of Greenwood Asher & Associates, a full-service higher education leadership search firm.
“The unflagging work ethic of our search committee was key to identifying and hiring Dean Graw,” Wendland said. “I’m thankful for their dedication, as well as the leadership of Josh Hall, who brought his considerable experience as Milan Puskar Dean of the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics to bear on this important task for the benefit of WVU.”
Graw earned both her Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Arts degree in government/public policy from Georgetown University.