Board of Trustees Chair Gregory Buck calls Davidson’s leadership “transformative” as it celebrates its 125th year.
President and Dean Camille M. Davidson
Mitchell Hamline School of Law Board of Trustees has approved a contract extension for President and Dean Camille M. Davidson, whose leadership has energized the school as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Davidson, who began her tenure on July 1, 2024, is the third person to serve as president and dean of Mitchell Hamline, and she is the only woman to serve as both president and dean of the law school.
Since her arrival, Dean Davidson has strengthened Mitchell Hamline’s reputation for access and academic excellence. As an independent law school, Mitchell Hamline’s focus on faculty excellence, student success, and alumni engagement has flourished under Davidson’s guidance, fostering a community dedicated to excellence and service.
“Mitchell Hamline’s commitment to accessible, practical, and skills-focused legal education is at the heart of our mission,” Davidson said. “I am deeply honored to continue leading this vibrant community, working alongside our exceptional students, faculty, staff, and alumni to shape the future of law education.”
Davidson’s first year has brought notable achievements. She has expanded the law school’s focus on partnerships with businesses and nonprofits to enhance experiential learning opportunities, ensuring students gain real-world skills. Recognizing the critical role of alumni, Davidson has prioritized local, regional, and national alumni events, fostering a strong sense of community among graduates while working to create pathways for externships, mentorships, and professional opportunities for current students. These connections are strengthening and amplifying Mitchell Hamline’s impact in legal communities across the country. Her commitment to faculty has been equally impactful. Davidson’s focus on faculty collaboration has fostered an environment that elevates teaching and scholarship.
Her emphasis on access builds on her success at Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, where she increased applications, diversified incoming classes by 20 percent, and boosted postgraduate employment by 15 percent. At Mitchell Hamline, it has been a record year for applications with a 25% increase over last year and 52% higher than the year before. Davidson has championed student well-being through initiatives like the on-campus wellness space and food pantry, ensuring students can focus on their studies free from external stressors. Additionally, her leadership in technological and facility upgrades has enhanced the student and faculty experience, creating an updated, supportive campus and online environment.
“Camille Davidson’s transformative leadership has set Mitchell Hamline on a path to sustained success,” said Gregory Buck ’87, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her dedication to our students, faculty, and alumni, combined with her vision for accessible and practical legal education, perfectly aligns with our mission as an independent law school. We are thrilled to see her continue to lead us forward.”
A Mississippi native, Davidson earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College. Prior to Mitchell Hamline, she was dean at Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School where she led record-breaking fundraising efforts, including a historic $10 million gift to name the school.
Davidson’s contract extension follows her formal installation as president and dean on Oct. 16, 2024, at St. Paul’s Landmark Center, where Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson delivered the keynote address. As Mitchell Hamline celebrates its 125th year, Davidson’s leadership will continue to advance the school’s mission of providing unparalleled access to legal education and preparing students to serve their communities with distinction.