TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Belmont Names New Law School Dean

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 13, 2026
News Type: Legal News

Belmont University has named Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Deborah R. Farringer as its next dean of the College of Law, making her the first woman to lead the school, with her appointment effective Aug. 1. Farringer, who joined the faculty in 2013 and has overseen curriculum planning, faculty development and student success initiatives since 2021, succeeds Dean Alberto Gonzales, who has led the law school since 2014. Before entering academia, Farringer practiced health care and regulatory law at Bass, Berry & Sims and served in legal roles at Vanderbilt University, in addition to completing a federal appellate clerkship. According to a press release from the law school, university leaders cited her academic leadership and institutional knowledge as key to continuing the law school’s growth, which has included top bar passage rates and strong employment outcomes for graduates. “I am honored to serve as dean of the Belmont University College of Law,” Farringer said. “Belmont Law has built a strong record of student success and national credibility while remaining grounded in its mission to instill the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. I am grateful to Dean Gonzales for his leadership and look forward to working with our faculty, students, alumni and partners to build on this momentum and lead Belmont Law into its next chapter.”

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