A change in leadership is underway at the Charleston School of Law, with its longtime dean leaving for a position with the federal court system and an interim leader tapped for the balance of the academic year.
Larry Cunningham, who also serves as the school’s provost, will leave his post Thursday to become the clerk of court for the federal District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, a news release says. In his new position, he will serve as the court’s senior nonjudicial administrator.
“I have been honored to serve the students and other constituents of Charleston Law,” Cunningham said in the release. “I am proud of the accomplishments of our team, students, and alumni. As I return to my roots in public service, I look forward to following the school’s continued progress.”
After having served earlier as a state prosecutor, Cunningham took the dean’s position in June 2020.
Jonathan A. Marcantel, a Charleston Law professor, will take Cunningham’s post as interim dean, the release says.
Marcantel joined the school’s faculty in 2011 after serving as associate dean of assessment at the Lincoln Memorial University-Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Tenn.
He earned bachelor’s degrees with distinction in political science and history from the College of Charleston and his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He clerked for state Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal while a law student and for state appeals Judge William L. Howard Sr. after graduation before entering private practice.
“This is an exciting time in the history of the Charleston School of Law,” Marcantel said in the release. “I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Law School through this next chapter.”
Charleston Law’s president, J. Edward Bell III, sang the praises of both men.
“During Larry’s tenure, the Law School has grown,” Bell said in the release. “Applications have increased 46%, the academic profile of the class has improved, bar passage and job placement rates are increased significantly, we have a new Library and Student Center, and our financial position has improved. I am grateful for his leadership and friendship.”
Of Marcantel, Bell said: “Students and faculty have a deep respect and appreciation for Jon [Marcantel] as an individual and professor. I am excited that he has stepped up into this leadership role.”
The law school will conduct a nationwide search for its next dean. The process includes its board of directors forming a search committee to “solicit, screen, interview and recommend the strongest candidates” for consideration, the release says.
“The Search Committee will ensure that the faculty shall have in advising, consultation and recommendations for consideration in the committee’s recommendations to the Board of Directors,” the release says.