Royal Furgeson, retired U.S. district judge and founding dean of the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, announced that he will step down from his position as dean on June 30, 2018. He will continue working on fundraising for the law school.
Furgeson, along with UNT Dallas President Bob Mong, Provost Betty Stewart, and UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson, helped UNT Dallas College of Law gain accreditation from the American Bar Association in June 2017.
“Royal Furgeson is a true icon in Texas law and his legend has only grown stronger while building our new law school and leading it to American Bar Association accreditation,” said Mong in a press release. “We have been incredibly fortunate to have Judge Furgeson serve the UNT Dallas College of Law since beginning his appointment in 2013 and we’re thrilled that he will continue to serve the students, faculty, and staff he loves in a new role that will help prepare our law school for the bright future ahead.”
Furgeson is the former senior U.S. district judge for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. He previously served in the El Paso, Midland, and San Antonio districts of the Western District of Texas prior to taking senior status. He served as a federal judge for more than 18 years.
UNT Dallas will conduct a national search for Furgeson’s replacement over the coming months.