Eduardo M. Peñalver, the dean of Cornell University’s Law School, a Rhodes Scholar and a professor of law who clerked for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, has been named the next president of Seattle University.

He will become the university’s 22nd president, its first Latino president and the first layperson to take the helm since Seattle University was founded in 1891. Peñalver will begin his official duties on July 1, 2021.

President Father Stephen Sundborg, SJ, previously announced he will step down in June after 24 years leading the university.

Peñalver grew up in Puyallup, Washington, and received his primary education at his parish school, All Saints, before attending Henry Foss High School in Tacoma. His parents and four siblings all live in Puyallup and Tacoma.

He became the first Latino dean of an Ivy League law school when he was appointed to his current role in 2014. He received his bachelor’s from Cornell in 1994 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1999.

Peñalver said the presidency presents a unique opportunity to help guide the university during challenging times to even higher levels of achievement and impact.

“I am so grateful to join Seattle University, excited about its future and looking forward to working with all of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Seattle University to bring that future into being,” Peñalver said. [Source: Seattle University] •

Source jesuitswest.org

Professional Biography

Education:

•  received his B.A. from Cornell University

•  studied philosophy and theology as a Rhodes Scholar at Oriel College, Oxford

•  received his law degree from Yale Law School

Career Highlights:

•  clerked for Judge Guido Calabresi of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

•  clerked at the Supreme Court for Justice John Paul Stevens

•  taught at Fordham Law School (2003-2006)

•  taught at Cornell Law School (2006-2012)

•  has been a visiting professor at Harvard Law School and Yale Law School

•  became Cornell Law School’s 16th dean (and the first Latino dean of an Ivy League law school)

•  served as the John P. Wilson Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School

•  became Seattle University’s first Latino president

Writings/Works:

• scholarship focus: property and land use, as well as law and religion

• writing on property has appeared in numerous leading law journals

• Co-authored book “PROPERTY OUTLAWS” with Sonia Katyal

•  Co-authored book “AN INTRODUCTION TO PROPERTY THEORY” with Gregory Alexander

Source Cornell University’s Law School