Dean Paul Caron Reappointed Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
MALIBU, Calif. 鈥� Pepperdine University has reappointed as the Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of following the completion of a five-year review. Caron, who has served as dean since 2017, will continue to lead the law school in advancing its academic mission, strategic priorities, and vision to become the preeminent global Christian law school.
"I celebrate Dean Caron鈥檚 compelling vision for the Caruso School of Law, aspiring to become the preeminent global Christian law school and partnering exceptionally high standards of academic excellence with Christian values," said Jay Brewster, provost of Pepperdine University. "With this five-year renewal, I look forward to the school鈥檚 continued progress and accomplishments under his leadership."
Since becoming dean, Caron has led a period of significant growth and advancement at Caruso Law, strengthening its academic programs, student outcomes, faculty, and national reputation. Under his leadership, the law school has consistently improved in national rankings while attracting talented students and cultivating a faculty recognized for excellence in teaching and influential scholarship.
Caron鈥檚 leadership has also positioned Caruso Law as a contributor to Pepperdine University鈥檚 Ascend 2030 strategic plan, advancing the University鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and its Christian mission.
"I am thrilled to continue my role as the Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law," said Caron. "It has been an honor to serve our community, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional institution as we continue to advance our mission of excellence in legal education, rooted in our values."
Caron joined the Pepperdine faculty in 2013 and served as associate dean for research and faculty development from 2015 to 2017 before being named dean of Caruso Law in 2017. Previously, he served as associate dean of faculty and the Charles Hartsock Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. A nationally recognized tax scholar and author of more than 50 books and law review articles, Caron was named the 10th most influential person in legal education by The National Jurist in 2026.
For more information about Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, visit the school鈥檚 .
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About Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
part of the nation鈥檚 highest-ranked Protestant Christian university, strives to be the nation鈥檚 premier faith-based law school. Pepperdine Caruso Law offers a top-ranked legal education through nationally recognized degree programs committed to the highest principles of professional, ethical, and societal responsibility. With an emphasis on experiential learning, mentorship, faculty accessibility, and professional formation, Pepperdine Caruso Law offers a . Pepperdine Caruso Law houses ten clinics and six institutes, including the globally recognized and . Follow the Caruso School of Law on , , , and .
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