MORGANTOWN – Two professors at West Virginia University's recently were appointed to three-year terms as associate deans for the College of Law.
Elaine Wilson is now the associate dean for academic affairs, and Shine "Sean" Tu is the associate dean for faculty research and development.
Wilson said her primary job is to keep up with day-to-day operations.
Elaine Wilson
"My primary job is 'to keep the trains running on time' – that is, to make sure our students have the educational experiences that are required by the ABA (American Bar Association) and expected of the legal profession in the state," Wilson said in an interview with The West Virginia Record. "Taking a larger view, however, law schools and the legal community need to work together to ensure our students transition successfully into practice and are in a position to address the needs of our clients and the justice system going forward."
Wilson said she hopes that she can use her past experience as a practicing attorney to inform the curriculum at the law school to help teach the students outstanding writing skills, professionalism and the practical ethical issues faced by attorneys on a day-to-day basis.
"Here at WVU Law, we deeply understand our unique position in the state as its only law school and the impact that has on the West Virginia Bar, as well as on access to the administration of justice in West Virginia," Wilson said. "I appreciate the confidence Dean (Gregory) Bowman has shown in me as I begin my new role in trying to advance these interests going forward."
Wilson said she came into academia with approximately 20 years of private practice experience, so she has the proficiency in administration and managing large projects.
"Before I took this position, I used my experience to help develop some of our areas of emphasis and LL.M. programs," Wilson said. "In addition, I think I bring a strong understanding of the needs of the Bar because of my practice experience."
Wilson said she's most looking forward to continuing to work with the students she advises or teaches on a one-on-one basis as they develop their professional lives.
"I look forward to being able to do that on a wider scale now," Wilson said. "I also look forward to working with my colleagues as we innovate and adapt our teaching to the changing legal profession."
WVU College of Law Dean Gregory Bowman said that the school is very excited to have Wilson and Tu serving as new associate deans.
"Both are dedicated and innovative teachers and wonderful scholars, and they are committed to serving our students and the state of West Virginia," Bowman said in an interview with The West Virginia Record. "I’m very grateful to have them as a part of the leadership team at the law school and university."
Bowman said the law school is committed to serving the state and the nation through excellent teaching, research and service.
"Elaine, Sean and I believe in this commitment very deeply, and I am confident they will excel in their new roles as associate deans and help us continue to move WVU Law and West Virginia forward," Bowman said.
Wilson became a professor at WVU Law in 2012. She teaches classes in tax law.
Wilson worked in the Chicago office of Quarles & Brady in the Tax-Exempt Organizations Group before she began teaching. She earned her bachelor’s degree and law degree in a six-year accelerated program at Boston University.