Deidré Keller, dean of Florida A&M University’s College of Law, has resigned amid the school’s long trend of worsening bar exam passage rates.
Until an interim dean is appointed, the College of Law’s Associate Provost for Academic Programs Cecil Howard — who just stepped into that role a few weeks ago — will “assume the reins of leadership,” according to the university.
“The FAMU College of Law remains committed to its historical legacy of excellence and looks forward to making a lasting impact on the legal society both now and in the future,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson Watson said in a prepared statement. “The success of our students, faculty and staff remains our highest priority.”
Keller stepped down Wednesday after serving as dean for nearly four years. She will remain on the law school’s faculty.
Her appointment as the eighth permanent dean came after the Orlando-based law school’s two-year span of not having a permanent dean in 2018-20. She was unavailable for comment Friday.