OCU officials announced Dec. 5 that after a yearlong, nationwide search, Federal Magistrate Judge Valerie Couch has been selected as the new dean of the law school, and the first woman to hold that post. But she is no stranger to OCU.

“She has been involved with our law school as an adjunct faculty member for a decade, and her rapport with students and faculty is sterling, as is her reputation within the legal community,” Henry said in a prepared statement.

Couch earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature for the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned a master’s degree in English literature and a juris doctor degree both from the University of Oklahoma. She was in private practice with Hartzog Conger & Cason PC from 1983 until 1999 where she first served as an associate, and later as director and shareholder. Couch was appointed United States magistrate judge in the United States District Court for the Western District in 1999.

“Oklahoma City University is the most interesting and exciting place to be in Oklahoma right now, and I am thrilled to be joining President Robert Henry and all the faculty, students and staff at a pivotal time in the university's history,” Couch said in a prepared statement. “Only the rich and challenging environment of a school close to my heart could coax me to leave a job I have loved in the federal judiciary.”

Her first day on the job will be July 1, 2012.