After a six-month nation-wide search, the SIU School of Law has named Thomas F. Guernsey as its new dean.

According to a University News Service press release, Guernsey, who was associate dean at the University of Richmond School of Law, will be the SIU School of Law’s fifth permanent dean effective July 1.

Guernsey said he feels he can make a change in the publicity of the Law School, according to a University News Service press release.

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You have a real gem an institution that is perfectly positioned for the way legal education will evolve over the next decade. The school is one of the best kept secrets in America, and that is something we hope to change, he said.

SIU President Ted Sanders said he is pleased with the decision.

We advertised nationally, he said. After interviewing five top contenders, we think Tom is the right person to lead our School of Law.

Patrick Kelley, an SIU law professor, headed the search committee for the new dean and he said he is satisfied with the results.

Professor Guernsey is an outstanding law professor and legal administrator, and I believe he will help us move forward as a law school, building on the excellent base we have here already, he said.

In May, Kelley told the Daily Egyptian an internal search among exsisting law school facility was approved for selecting a new dean.

About a month later, the committee and faculty re-thought the internal search and decided to do an external search, Kelley said.

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However, Darrell Dunham, a professor at the Law School, said The Central Administration insisted on an external search.

Dunham, as well as some law students, expressed concern in spring 1995 with the internal search. Many said they felt that an internal search would not do a sufficiant overview of all potential candidates.

Thomas C. Britton, acting Law School dean, who filled the position after Harry J. Haynsworth, said he thinks Guernsey would do a fine job as the new dean.

Mr. Guernsey brings fine credentials, he said. He is energetic and will do a fine job as the new dean.

Britton was in the running for the dean position until he withdrew his candidacy in November. Britton said had no comment as to why he withdrew.