Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University has announced that Terence J. Lau L’98 will serve as the 13th dean of its College of Law, effective August 5. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees approved the appointment.

“We are excited to welcome Terence Lau back to Syracuse University,” said Vice Chancellor, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter. “His distinguished record and depth of experience as a lawyer and a higher education leader make him an outstanding choice to be the next dean to lead the College of Law.”

Lau, an alumnus of the College of Law, brings extensive legal and higher education experience to his new role. He joins Syracuse from California State University, Chico, where he is a professor of management. During his tenure at CSU Chico, he held several leadership positions including dean of the College of Business (2018-2023), interim dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management (January 2023-July 2023), and interim provost and vice president for academic affairs (July 2023-February 2024).

Previously, Lau was associate dean for undergraduate programs and a professor of business law at the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Syracuse where I received a legal education that transformed my professional life,” Lau stated. “Syracuse Law launched me to a level of success I didn’t even dream was possible. The college’s unique programs...are already distinctive and impactful programs. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and benefactors, and members of the legal community, to advance the college’s reputation and provide our students with an exceptional legal education.”

Before entering academia, Lau held roles in government affairs and law. From 2000 to 2002, he served as director of ASEAN Governmental Affairs for Ford Asia Pacific Operations in Bangkok. He also worked as an attorney in Ford Motor Company's International Practice Group and served as a Judicial Fellow at the U.S. Supreme Court from 2006 to 2007.

Lau has published numerous articles on business law and was editor-in-chief of the American Business Law Journal. He co-authored “The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business,” now in its fifth edition.

The search committee for the new dean was convened by Ritter in December and co-chaired by Todd Berger, professor of law and director of advocacy programs, and Nina Kohn, David M. Levy L’48 Professor of Law.

“I greatly appreciate the hard work that Nina, Todd and the committee members put into recruiting such a talented leader for the College of Law,” said Provost Ritter.

Lau succeeds Craig Boise who concludes his eight-year tenure as dean this month. Under Boise's leadership, the College saw innovative program launches, professional partnerships establishment, and research growth.

“Craig has been a transformative leader for the College of Law," said Provost Ritter. "I thank him for his service to the college and the University.”