Belmont Announces New Dean of Law School

Belmont Vision Multimedia. (Zach Watkins)

Belmont University announced the appointment of Deborah R. Farringer as the first female dean of Belmont's College of Law. 

Following a national search for the replacement of Dean Alberto Gonzales, Farringer will take over his duties beginning Aug. 1.

Farringer, associate dean and professor of Law at Belmont University since 2013, received her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School, and her Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of San Diego. She served as a judicial clerk for the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals in Virginia, and practiced health care and regulatory law at Nashville law firm Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, according to Belmont Stories. 

Belmont University recognized Farringer’s contributions to the College of Law, including implementing more global study opportunities and improving academic experiences for students, which perfectly align with Belmont Law’s mission, said Belmont Stories. 

Chase Lawson, a third-year Belmont Law student, had the opportunity to work with Farringer, his law review faculty advisor. After graduation, he will work at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, where Farringer worked. 

“Dean Farringer will do a great job being the next dean of this school,” said Lawson. “I think she does a lot for the school already and she does it very well. She keeps us organized as students and she’s always there for us if we need anything.”

For two consecutive years, Belmont Law ranked No. 1 in the nation for the highest bar passage rate, with the July 2025 Tennessee Bar Exam averaging a 96.9% pass rate for first-time test takers.  

“She steps into this role at a time of tremendous momentum for the College of Law and is exceptionally well positioned to build on the strong foundation built under founding dean Jeff Kinsler and current Dean Gonzales,” said Provost Dr. David Gregory for Belmont Stories. 

Gonzales, the former U.S. attorney general who has been the Dean for the College of Law for 12 years, will step down May 31. He believes Farringer will be successful in achieving her priorities for the College of Law, he said. 

“I have total confidence that Dean Farringer will continue the legacy of excellence,” said Gonzales. “She’s been a wonderful colleague, a trusted advisor and a good friend, and I’m delighted that she’ll be following in this position.” 

As she prepares for her transition in Fall 2025, Farringer said she looks most forward to growing Belmont Law’s presence nationwide, and fostering the College’s continued progress.  

“Although there are countless ways in which his leadership has positively shaped and impacted the program, one of his best attributes as a leader is the way in which he empowers others to become leaders in the legal community,” said Farringer in an email. “I hope to continue this legacy of cultivating an atmosphere of civic-minded leaders in the legal community.”

This article was written by Carla Loretta.