Two Widener law schools: one for Delaware, one for Pennsylvania

Widener University, which has always operated a Delaware and Harrisburg law campus, announced each will become its own law school.

The Widener University Delaware Law School will be the new name for the school located on Route 202.  The Harrisburg campus will now be known as the Widener University Commonwealth Law School.

University President James Harris named Rod Smolla as dean for the Wilmington campus and Christian Johnson to head up the Harrisburg law school.

Both will replace Linda Ammons who previously was the dean of both facilities.

Harris says the Delaware name is intended to reflect “The Delaware Way,” which he describes as civility and professionalism.

Smolla is a visiting professor with the University of Georgia.  He has previously served as dean of the University of Richmond and Washington and Lee University law schools. Johnson is on the faculty of the University of Utah law school.

The Delaware law school began in 1971.  The Harrisburg campus was added in 1989.

Both deans begin their new assignments on July 1.