Andy Hessick has been officially named the permanent dean of the University of North Carolina School of Law, effective immediately. He has served as the interim dean since September 2025 and has been a faculty member since 2016. Hessick, who is the Judge John J. Parker Distinguished Professor of Law, previously held the position of associate dean for strategy and planning. His leadership has been pivotal in enhancing the law school's reputation, contributing to a remarkable rise in its U.S. News & World Report ranking from 45 to 18. This achievement places the UNC School of Law among the top four publicly supported law schools in the nation. In his new role, Hessick aims to continue the school's legacy of producing influential legal professionals. He expressed his honor in taking on the role, emphasizing the privilege of guiding the school forward. Hessick's academic background includes a Doctor of Law from Yale Law School and experience as a clerk for U.S. Court of Appeals judges. His research interests encompass federal courts and administrative law, and he has initiated programs to enhance student engagement with the judicial process.