Geoffrey S. Mearns

College of Law Dean Assumes Duties of CSU’s Chief Academic Officer

Cleveland State University President Ronald M. Berkman has named Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Dean Geoffrey S. Mearns the University’s interim provost.

“Geoffrey Mearns is the right person to fill the critical role of interim provost,” said President Berkman in making the appointment. “I thank Geoff for his willingness to serve. We are fortunate to have him join our senior leadership team.”

Mearns, who was the unanimous choice of his fellow deans, is well-respected by students and the community at large. His aspirations and commitment to the University reflect those of the existing administration, making for a seamless transition in the administration and the academic functions of CSU.

During Mearns’ tenure as dean of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law he substantially increased the donations from alumni and law firms to support various law school initiatives. He also significantly improved the quality and diversity of the students who enrolled in the law school, as well as extensively improved the performance of its graduates on the Ohio bar exam. Other accomplishments include the creation of a new Center for Health Law and Policy and the completion of an $8.8 million renovation of the law school building.

First up in his new role, Mearns will focus on driving the every-ten-year university-wide NCA accreditation effort, studying how the University can optimize summer enrollment, and creating a new student affairs organization to better serve our students. Mearns’ belief that education is a public service will also serve to engage the community in meeting the goals and needs of the University.

Prior to becoming dean in 2005, Mearns was a partner in the Cleveland offices of two national law firms where much of his practice focused on federal criminal investigations and prosecutions along with complex commercial litigation.

Mearns also had a distinguished career as a prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice, where he was responsible for investigating, prosecuting and supervising cases against members and associates of organized-crime families. As Special Assistant to the United States Attorney General, Mearns participated in the prosecution of Terry Nichols, one of two men convicted for bombing the Oklahoma City Federal Building.

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