Rooksby currently serves as dean at the Gonzaga University School of Law, a role he’s held since 2018. He is a professor of law and leadership studies, with scholarly and professional expertise in intellectual property and higher education law.

“Dean Rooksby brings a strong record of leadership and innovation and a depth of experience as an administrator, scholar, and attorney,” said Joan Saab, provost and executive vice president. “Jacob clearly recognizes the strength of Richmond Law today, including its outstanding faculty and the school’s excellent reputation. Those involved in the search were struck by how closely his values align with the mission of our university.”

Saab said Rooksby’s proven track record of outstanding leadership and deep connections to the Richmond region stood out during the search process. An Indiana native, Rooksby earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and holds J.D., M.Ed., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia. “He shared fond memories of preparing for the Virginia Bar Exam at Richmond Law,” Saab said.

He practiced law at McGuireWoods and lived in Richmond from 2007 to 2011. Rooksby said the familiarity of Richmond combined with the law school’s reputation, helped draw him back.

“The law school’s position within the liberal arts tradition of the University of Richmond and the faculty’s high scholarly standing are impressive, and I’m excited to be part of this community,” he said.

Rooksby completed post-graduate training in higher education leadership at Harvard University in 2019. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a member of the Virginia State Bar, and a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. He will succeed Wendy Perdue, who announced last spring that she would step down after 15 years as dean. Perdue will conclude her tenure at the end of the academic year and, following a sabbatical, return to the classroom as a member of the faculty.