Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law started its fall semester with its first female dean in law school history.

Joan R.M. Bullock was approved by the Texas Southern University Board of Regents at a meeting in June and officially assumed her role as dean of the law school in July. She will replace Gary L. Bledsoe, who had been serving as acting dean.

Bullock will serve as chief academic, fiscal, and administrative officer of the law school. Her responsibilities include leading and managing law school operations, advancing a vision for the school’s future, fundraising, and building and sustaining partnerships and strong relationships with alumni of the law school and university.

“I am privileged to lead TMSL in demonstrating full compliance with ABA standards and advancing the law school’s mission as a school of inclusion and opportunity,” said Bullock in a news release. “Thurgood Marshall School of Law must continue its impressive and inspiring legacy of producing leaders in law, business, and public service. For instance, we are living in an era where the everyday use of technology is impacting the rights of individuals. Now more than ever, we need the inclusive perspectives of those in law, business, and public service in determining how and to what extent these rights should be modified. The continued relevance of the law school and the opportunity to work with those who believe in and support the inclusive mission are reasons why I am excited about coming to Texas Southern University.”

She previously served as professor emerita, president, and dean of Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. Bullock has more than 30 years of law school experience as an educator and administrator. She was a senior founding faculty member of the re-established Florida A&M University College of Law where she held several academic and administrative posts, including professor, interim director of admissions and recruitment, associate dean for teaching and faculty development, and associate dean for academic affairs. Bullock is licensed to practice law in Michigan, a certified public account, and strategic planning and business development expert.

For more information about Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, go to tsulaw.edu.