News Release
Lloyd A. Semple, Named University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Dean
New Dean Brings Experience and Leadership
Lloyd A. Semple, former Chairman and CEO of Dykema Gossett, PLLC, and Distinguished Visiting Law Professor, has been named Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law effective April 18, 2009.
In making the announcement, UDM President Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., said, “It is my hope that Lloyd Semple can continue the good and creative initiatives that the School of Law has set in motion. I and the rest of the UDM administration look forward to working with Lloyd to help make that happen.”Semple joined the UDM School of Law faculty in 2004 after more than 40 years practicing law with Dykema, one of Michigan’s largest and most prestigious law firms. He practiced general corporate and healthcare law, including acquisitions, divestitures, mergers and financings. He served as outside counsel for several Michigan-based business enterprises, primarily in the health care and automotive industries, and as securities and bond counsel for several health care institutions. He has also advised boards of directors of public and not-for-profit companies in recapitalization transactions and governance matters.
Semple was Chairman and CEO of Dykema from September 1995 through April 2002. Prior to that time, he served for many years on the Executive Committee and as Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group Leader. He retired from Dykema in July of 2004, although he remains affiliated with the title of Chairman Emeritus.
One of Detroit’s top legal professionals, Lloyd Semple has been active in public service and has considerable experience in dealing with governmental agencies and regulators. He has served as a director and officer of several prominent businesses and organizations, including: Chair of the Board of the Detroit Medical Center (1997-2001), directing the reorganization and financial turn-around of one of the country’s largest health care systems; Chair of the Executive Committee of the Detroit Zoological Society; Vice Chair of the National Audubon Society; and Chair of the Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Since 2004, he has also served on the Board of Directors of Argon ST, Inc., headquartered in Fairfax, VA.
In addition to teaching courses in Corporate Law and Corporate Procedure at the School of Law, he was a member of the School’s Curriculum Committee, co-creator of the School’s nationally recognized Law Firm Program, and the School’s first Distinguished Visiting Professor.
Semple has the resounding support of the law faculty, administration, alumni, and students. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Gary Maveal stated, “We are extremely fortunate to have Dean Semple leading the law school. His stature, skills, and vision will allow us to enhance our innovative program of legal education.”
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as a Distinguished Visiting Professor over the past five years,” said Semple. “As Dean, I look forward to working with the UDM faculty and community to build upon the groundbreaking initiatives of recent years, while also addressing the evolving demands of providing a practical legal education.”
Semple received his B.A. from Yale and his J.D. (with distinction) from the University of Michigan. He resides in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, with his wife, Goody. They are the parents of four children and grandparents of 10.
For information regarding UDM School of Law, visit www.law.udmercy.edu
Release date: May 02, 2009
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