Rex R. Perschbacher, associate dean for academic affairs and research at the University of California, Davis, School of Law, will become its next dean, pending approval by the UC Board of Regents. Perschbacher, 51, will assume his new responsibilities July 1. "Rex's knowledge of the School of Law's challenges and opportunities, his commitment to its faculty, staff and students, and his clear vision for the future are truly exceptional," said Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef. "The very strong endorsement of his candidacy by law school colleagues is extraordinary, as well, and affirms that no time will be lost in achieving the school's many goals." Established in 1965, the law school currently enrolls 492 students and has 29 full-time faculty members. "I look forward to the challenge of maintaining and enhancing both the school's excellence and the diversity of its faculty and student body so that the doors of opportunity are kept open to all members of society," Perschbacher said. "At UC Davis, excellence and diversity have always, and will always, go hand in hand, and I expect the law school, with its spirit of public service, to expand its leading role in the Sacramento region, the state of California and the nation." Perschbacher succeeds Bruce A. Wolk, who announced last summer his intention to return to full-time teaching and research. Said Wolk: "I have had the opportunity to observe Rex's impressive administrative talents over the last five years and have no doubt that he is the best person to lead the school into the next century. He is a fine scholar, an award-winning teacher, and a proven administrator. The law school could not be in better hands." An expert in civil procedure and legal ethics, Perschbacher joined the law school faculty in 1981 as an acting professor and director of clinical education. He became professor of law in 1986 and associate dean in 1993. He held a law faculty post at the University of San Diego from 1978 to 1981, the University of Texas School of Law from 1974 to 1975, and UC Berkeley's law school (Boalt Hall) from 1972 to 1973. He also served as a visiting professor at Boalt Hall in 1995-96 and at the Institute on International and Comparative Law in London in 1984 and 1988. Perschbacher practiced law in San Francisco from 1974 to 1978 and served as law clerk to U.S. District Judge Alfonso J. Zirpoli from 1973 to 1974. He is the author or co-author of 11 books and 12 articles, and his honors include the law school's distinguished teaching award in 1992. Perschbacher received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Stanford in 1968, and studied philosophy at Corpus Christi College in Oxford, England, and at the University of Michigan in 1968-69. He received a law degree from Boalt Hall in 1972. EDITOR'S NOTE: A photo of Rex Perschbacher may be obtained electronically by contacting Amy Rafferty, (530) 752-9836, aerafferty@ucdavis.edu.