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Law school dean named University of the Pacific’s interim provost

Michael Hunter Schwartz, dean of University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, today was named interim provost of the university.

Law school dean named University of the Pacific’s interim provost

Michael Hunter Schwartz, dean of University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, today was named interim provost of the university.

"Dean Schwartz has been an enthusiastic and energetic leader for McGeorge during a time of significant transition," said Maria Pallavicini, Pacific's provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who will become interim president upon Pamela A. Eibeck's retirement July 1. "I appreciate his visionary leadership of the law school, and I look forward to working with him in our interim roles to guide the university forward."

Schwartz, who has been McGeorge's dean since July 2017, worked with faculty, staff and university leaders to develop a strategic plan for a stronger law school, with a focus on attracting more highly qualified applicants. In fall 2018, the reinvigorated McGeorge saw an increase in applications that was double the national average and welcomed its largest incoming class since 2012.

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve the university in this role," Schwartz said of the appointment. "I have yet to meet a Pacific faculty or staff colleague who is not passionate about serving our students, and I share that commitment. I am excited about the possibilities for Pacific and want to help where I can."

As interim provost, Schwartz will oversee the office responsible for retaining Pacific's high quality academic and research standards.

Michael Colatrella, McGeorge's associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law, will serve as interim dean effective July 1 when Schwartz steps into his new role. Colatrella joined the McGeorge faculty in 2009 and has been an associate dean since 2015. 

Media contact:
Keith Michaud | 209.946.3275 (office) | 209.470.3206 (cell) | kmichaud@pacific.edu
Deidra Powell | 209.946.2313 (office)| 916.534.6559 (cell) | dpowell@pacific.edu