Dean of Students Team
Let me introduce the members of our Dean of Students team:
Dean of Students Janet Stearns came to the law school in October, 1999 as Director of our International and Foreign Graduate Programs. Dean Lynch asked me to serve as Dean of Students in January, 2007. Before coming to UM, She lived in Santiago, Chile for three years where she taught law. She also was a clinical faculty member teaching in the area of affordable housing development at the University Of Washington School Of Law. She graduated from Yale Law School in 1988, and then practiced law for five years with a large firm in Hartford, Connecticut. She has been admitted to practice law in both Connecticut and Washington State.
Associate Dean William VanderWyden is a graduate of the UM School of Law, and has been working here since 1987. He is admitted to the Florida Bar and active in many community activities. He is a fountain of information on the School of Law, Bar Passsage, Graduation Requirements, Joint Degree Programs, and many other topics of importance to all of you.
Iris Morera is our Coordinator of Student Services. With a background in social work and counseling, she oversees our Disability Services office. She also works on initiatives to promote student wellness and is available to coordinate special services as needed by our students.
Gloria Garcia is our Administrative Assistant. She has a great background in event planning and technology. She works with Dean Stearns directly on Orientation (she will be answering the “welcome” email address). She also coordinates with our student organizations, provides support to the LAFAC committee, and keeps our Current Students web page updated.
Sophie Darling is our Dean of Students Receptionist. She may be the first person who you will see in our office, and she is a wonderful resource to direct you to important resources throughout the University of Miami. She will also help you schedule appointments as needed.
Tensy Gimenez has been with the Dean of Students Office since 2001 and with the University for many years before that. Tensy works with the students on many individual issues including writing certificates and letters, administering take-home examinations, and faculty-course evaluations.
We all look forward to getting to know you during your studies at UM.
