Two distinguished new deans on campus are former Duke University climatologist Roni Avissar and legal scholar Patricia D. White.

White replaces acting dean Paul R. Verkuil at the School of Law. During her decade as the longest-serving dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, faculty size doubled, the faculty-student ratio was cited third-best nationally, and an active pro bono program for students, five new clinics, a nationally acclaimed legal writing program, and many interdisciplinary programs were established.

White, an American College of Tax Counsel elected fellow, is widely published and has extensive practice experience in tax law and estate planning.

President Donna E. Shalala describes White as “a visionary leader in the legal education arena” whose “vast experience, energy, and innovative spirit will greatly enhance the law school’s national profile.”

Her pioneering female predecessors as the school’s dean are M. Minnette Massey, B.B.A. ’48, J.D. ’51, M.A. ’52, acting, 1962-65; Soia Mentschikoff, 1974-82; and Mary Doyle, 1986-94 (interim 1998-99).

France native Avissar, dean of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, has studied the effects of deforestation on precipitation patterns and pioneered the use of a special helicopter to collect environmental data. He says, “I am thrilled to lead what I consider the top school of marine and atmospheric science in the country.”

As chair of Duke’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, he more than quadrupled external funding and oversaw a strategic planning process, among other achievements, leading to the department’s No. 18 ranking in U.S. News & World Report. Before that, Avissar, also a certified flight instructor, founded Rutgers University’s Center for Environmental Prediction.

Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc notes, “The University of Miami is extremely fortunate to have such a distinguished researcher lead our Rosenstiel School.”