Mitchell Hamline School of Law will install Camille M. Davidson as its third president and dean during a ceremony Wednesday, October 16, at St. Paul’s historic Landmark Center. The event marks an important milestone in the history of the law school as Davidson prepares to lead the institution into its 125th year in 2025.
“Mitchell Hamline has a proud legacy spanning almost 125 years and a proud tradition as a beacon of opportunity and excellence,” Davidson said. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to add to that history.”
On July 1 of this year, Davidson took over official duties from Jim Hilbert, then-interim president and dean. She has spent her first few months engaging with various constituencies including students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, and community partners, whose insights have been essential to learning about the law school, understanding its history and values, and discovering key opportunities.
The installation ceremony features remarks by several distinguished community leaders and a keynote address by Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson. Justice Hudson was also a one-time assistant dean at Hamline University School of Law, which combined with William Mitchell College of Law in 2015 to form Mitchell Hamline. Davidson will also share inaugural remarks.
Davidson is the third president and dean of Mitchell Hamline, following Anthony Niedwiecki (2020-23) and Mark Gordon (2015-19), and she is the first Black woman to serve as president and dean for the law school or any of its predecessor institutions. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role as a lawyer, administrator, teacher, and leader. Prior to Mitchell Hamline, Davidson served as dean and professor of law at Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, where she secured the largest gift in the university’s history. She also spent 11 years as a professor and administrator at Charlotte School of Law and Wake Forest University School of Law and worked as an attorney for 14 years, in both the public and private sectors.
The Mitchell Hamline board of trustees is pleased to invite friends and colleagues to attend the installation and a reception to follow. Guests are asked to register at www.mitchellhamline.edu/installation. Doors open at 4:30 pm, with the ceremony to begin at 5 pm. Valet parking will be available on Market Street.