Amid faculty pushback, UK law school dean appointee vows to work with college and steer clear of politics

"I think there's a variety of opinions and some people voice them and some people remain quiet," UK Provost Robert DiPaola said, taking questions about faculty concerns surrounding the controversial choice.

DiPaola acknowledged Thursday that Van Tatenhove may not be a "typical candidate" for the job, but he said the judge meets the spirit of what's needed at the law school during what he described as a "pivotal" time for the college. DiPaola pointed to budget pressures, AI, and enrollment goals, among other as factors that demand a new kind of leadership.

The provost said faculty were included at several points in the lengthy search process, which ultimately settled on seven potential contenders.

"Everybody has their favorite candidate, pluses and minuses, so I would have to say that you always get input that not everyone agrees," he said. "But... we're not just talking about one group. We have input from multiple groups."

In front of UK's Academic Affairs Committee, DiPaola said the process for Van Tatenhove was consistent with previous and ongoing searches and did not represent a departure from the norm.

Law school faculty involved in a private meeting did send a letter to DiPaola referencing a "substantial majority" opposing Van Tatenhove for dean, citing worries about whether he possessed the proper academic credentials. That concern was echoed publicly by UK Trustee Jim Gray, who praised Van Tatenhove while stating that the prerequisites for the position have not been met.

Also focusing attention on the selection was a series of statements by Gov. Andy Beshear expressing concerns that "partisan" and "undue outside influence" could have affected the decision.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Van Tatenhove, a former legislative aide for Sen. Mitch McConnell, has received gifts from GOP donors Joe and Kelly Craft — names that the judge has placed on his "permanent recusal list" when it comes to cases.

Van Tatenhove was asked about those political concerns.

"Over 20 years ago, my job description has included the requirement that I stay out of partisan politics, and I've adhered to that carefully. I adhered to it during this search process and that important value does not end now. Frankly, it will be part of my deanship," he said.

Republicans, meanwhile, have accused the governor of entering the fray because he did not favor Van Tatenhove for the dean position.

Beshear has also been involved in a case before Van Tatenhove's court, raising further questions about the governor's recent posts.

Beshear's team says the governor has been "treated fairly in the case and none of his comments have criticized Van Tatenhove's service as a federal judge."