Douglas Sylvester

Douglas Sylvester is a prominent academic and legal educator, known for his significant contributions to the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU). He served as the 8th Dean of the college from 2011 until his resignation in 2021, marking a transformative decade in which he led the school to notable achievements.

Academic Background and Career

• Education: Sylvester holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto (1991), a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law (1994), and a Master of Laws from New York University School of Law (1995).
• Previous Roles: Before becoming dean, he was an associate professor at ASU, where he also served as associate dean for faculty research and development. His earlier career included positions at Baker & McKenzie and as a Bigelow Fellow at the University of Chicago.

Achievements as Dean

During his tenure, Sylvester oversaw substantial growth and improvements at ASU Law:

• Rankings: Under his leadership, the law school improved its national ranking from 40th to 25th, becoming one of the youngest law schools in that tier.
• Enrollment and Diversity: He nearly doubled the incoming JD student enrollment and significantly increased diversity within the student body.
• Financial Growth: Sylvester raised over $90 million during his time as dean, enhancing the school's financial stability without increasing tuition fees. He also played a crucial role in establishing the Beus Center for Law and Society in downtown Phoenix.

Post-Deanship Role

After stepping down, Sylvester was appointed as Dean Emeritus and continues to contribute to ASU as a Senior Global Futures Scientist. His ongoing work focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within legal education and beyond.

Recognition

Sylvester has been recognized for his leadership with awards such as the "Most Admired Leader" by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2020. His influence extends into various sectors, including technology ventures, where he has advised startups and engaged in community initiatives aimed at enhancing Arizona's entrepreneurial landscape.

In summary, Douglas Sylvester's legacy at Arizona State University is marked by transformative leadership that significantly advanced legal education, student diversity, and institutional reputation.