About Dean Strickland

Dean Strickland is the 10th Dean of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Prior to his appointment as Dean, he was the 64th mayor of the City of Memphis. 

He was a practicing attorney through 2015 and served on the Memphis City Council from 2008-2015 before completing two terms as Mayor from 2016-2023. 

Dean Strickland graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis, where he majored in finance. He went on to graduate from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law with honors. He also served as an adjunct legal methods instructor from 1989-96. 

Education

J.D., University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, with honors ('89); Bachelors of Business Administration, magna cum laude, University of Memphis (BBA '86).

Experience

Dean and Professor of Practice, University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law (2024 - present); Mayor of Memphis, Tenn. (2016-2023); Full partner, Kustoff & Strickland, PLLC (1998 - 2015); Associate attorney, Glankler Brown, PLLC (1990 - 1998); Clerk for Justice William H.D. Fones, Tennessee Supreme Court (1989 - 1990); Adjunct Instructor, Legal Methods, University of Memphis School of Law (1989 - 1996).