A Lasting Legacy
When Dean Wendy Perdue arrived at the University of Richmond School of Law, she brought a bold vision for strengthening the school’s academic excellence, supporting its students, and elevating its national profile. As her tenure as dean draws to a close, the results of that vision are clear: Richmond Law stands on its strongest foundation yet, poised for continued growth under new leadership.
“Wendy put Richmond Law on the map!” said Janice Moore, L’81, University trustee emerita and Richmond Law Advisory Board member. “When she came to us, she had relationships with law schools all over the country and knew how to use them to enhance our profile. She had been vice president of the Order of the Coif, so she knew how Richmond Law could establish a chapter. She was responsible for international programs at Georgetown Law, so she knew how to incorporate global opportunities to benefit our students.”
“Wendy also knew how to develop a faculty with a wide range of experience, attracting and retaining established scholars, encouraging scholarship by newer faculty, and allowing faculty who desired administrative experience to have that opportunity. Richmond Law is a strong, high-quality law school, and Wendy enhanced our reputation to match our strengths,” Moore said. Dean Perdue’s impact has indeed been far-reaching. She significantly expanded signature initiatives, most notably the Summer Public Service Fellowship Program, which ensures all students can undertake an internship after their 1L year, including internships that may not offer pay but can catapult students into their careers.
She has also recruited and retained an outstanding faculty while dramatically increasing the number of named positions — including chairs, professorships, and fellowships — generously funded by alumni and donors.
She launched the Dean’s Opportunity Scholarship Fund, substantially increasing financial aid available to promising students and creating a way for donors to make an immediate impact on a student’s life. These investments have enhanced both teaching and scholarship, ensuring that Richmond Law remains a leader in innovative legal education.
Partnership with alumni and friends has been a hallmark of Dean Perdue’s approach. Under her leadership, giving levels have grown exponentially, with the 1870 Society and other initiatives deepening alumni engagement and philanthropic support.
Dean Perdue has overseen improvements to student spaces and technology, reinforcing the collaborative community that defines the Richmond Law experience. Beyond campus, she has raised the school’s profile in the wider legal academy, serving in leadership roles at the Association of American Law Schools and building relationships that benefit students and faculty alike.
“Dean Perdue’s leadership, vision, and dedication have positively and permanently impacted our law school and the University of Richmond,” said Joan Saab, executive vice president and provost. “I am grateful for her thoughtful and steadfast leadership, deep commitment to the University of Richmond School of Law, and dedication to our faculty, staff, and students. The law school has flourished under Dean Perdue’s direction, and she has built a strong foundation for continued success.”
THE PERDUE ERA
During her tenure as dean, Wendy Perdue transformed Richmond Law through bold new initiatives and strategic investments that have strengthened its people, programs, and facilities.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER HER LEADERSHIP:
• Built a world-class faculty. Hired and cultivated 34 new professors — more than half of today’s faculty.
• Recruited outstanding staff. Nearly 90% of the school’s staff joined under her deanship.
• Enhanced legal education. Built a premier first-year legal writing program.
• Launched innovative programs. Introduced the Professional Identity Formation Program, now a nationwide model.
• Expanded financial aid. Dramatically increased awards. Seventy-six percent of the current class received financial aid with an average award of $39,846.
• Guaranteed summer funding. Transformed the Summer Public Service Fellowship into a $5,000 fellowship guaranteed for every student.
• Created pathways to practice. Created the post-graduate Bridge to Practice Program, which has helped more than 150 graduates begin their careers.
• Strengthened alumni ties. Significantly increased fundraising and reinforced the alumni network. More than $33 million has been raised during her tenure.
• Modernized facilities. Oversaw a complete renovation of the law school building.