Three decades ago, Terence J. Lau was a student at Syracuse University College of Law, benefiting from a full scholarship and ready to embark on a promising legal career. Today, he has returned as the 13th dean of the College of Law, making history as the first alumnus to hold this position in its 130-year existence.
Lau’s journey to becoming dean is unconventional. Originally training to be a commercial airline pilot, financial constraints led him to pursue law instead. Syracuse Law offered him not only education but also foundational career opportunities.
“Attending Syracuse Law changed the trajectory of my life,” Lau stated. “Returning to serve as dean is a true full circle moment.”
Lau’s career includes working at Ford Motor Corp., where he specialized in transactional and international trade law. His path later shifted towards academia with roles at the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration and California State University Chico before his current role at Syracuse.
Reflecting on his time at law school, Lau credits faculty members for having a lasting impact on students’ careers. He specifically mentions Professor Emeritus Travis H.D. Lewin and former Dean Daan Braveman as influential figures during his studies.
“When I run into other alumni, it seems everyone will talk about a specific faculty member who had a lasting impact on them,” Lau noted.
When Dean Craig Boise announced his departure, Lau initially contributed insights as part of the search committee for new leadership but was soon approached for the role himself.
Professor Todd Berger highlighted that “Terence has a passion for the Law School and credits this place for a lot of his success.” Nina A. Kohn added that Lau brought “a sophisticated understanding of higher education” and could connect well with diverse stakeholders.
Richard Alexander L’82 praised Lau’s grasp of both challenges and opportunities facing modern legal education: “He impressed us with his enthusiasm and energy.”
Now in his new role, Lau aims to preserve Syracuse Law’s history while enhancing its potential through dual expertise in business management and legal knowledge—a combination he believes is crucial for effective leadership in academia today.
