Todd Pettys has been named dean of the University of Iowa College of Law, effective July 1. He has served as interim dean since January.

Pettys has been a member of the College of Law faculty since 1999 and holds the H. Blair and Joan V. White Chair in Civil Litigation. During his interim appointment, he has provided steady leadership and continued to foster the college’s strengths in legal scholarship, teaching, and public service.

“While serving as interim dean of the College of Law, Todd has demonstrated strong, collaborative leadership that has guided the college through a seamless transition,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “After conversations with many in the college, it became clear that Todd’s deep institutional knowledge, national reputation, and commitment to the Iowa Law community make him the right person to lead at this time.”

Pettys’ appointment is for a term of up to two years. In alignment with long-term planning for the college, the university will launch a national search for his successor prior to the conclusion of his term. 

“I’m grateful for Todd’s willingness to step into this role,” says Kregel. “He has repeatedly demonstrated his dedication to the university and to ensuring the College of Law is well-positioned for long-term success.” 

Pettys is nationally regarded for his expertise in constitutional law, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a frequent contributor to local and national media, offering analysis of Supreme Court decisions and their broader implications. He is the author of a book on the Iowa Constitution and more than 30 law review articles, with his work cited by state and federal courts across the country, including the Iowa Supreme Court.

He served as the college’s associate dean for faculty from 2011 to 2015 and has earned numerous university honors for his scholarship, teaching, and service, including the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence (2024), the Michael J. Brody Award for Faculty Service (2020), and the President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence (2011). He is also an elected member of the American Law Institute.

Before joining Iowa, Pettys clerked for Judge Francis Murnaghan, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and practiced law at Perkins Coie LLP in Seattle, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Seattle Pacific University and a J.D. with highest honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to continue leading Iowa Law during this important time,” says Pettys. “I look forward to working with our extraordinary community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build on our strengths and continue moving the college forward.”