Kristin DiBiase joins Law School as New Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Kristin DiBiase, a passionate advocate for students and a 15-year veteran of higher education, joins Seattle University School of Law as the new associate dean for student affairs.

“I am thrilled to join the law school’s leadership team," DiBiase says. “Seattle U Law’s reputation for social justice advocacy, innovative legal writing, academic support and bar preparation programs. Talented faculty and staff made the decision nearly effortless.”

Donna Claxton Deming, who previously held the associate dean role and served the law school for 29 years, recently retired. 

“Kristin brings great enthusiasm and experience and a student-centered approach to this position and I look forward to introducing her to our community, particularly our students,” says Dean Annette E. Clark, ’89.

DiBiase joins the law school after completing a two-year appointment as associate director of academic and bar success at Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and criminal justice from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her JD from Valparaiso University, where she was president of the Student Bar Association.

She also spent 12 years at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, where she developed and managed educational and compliance policies and programs, including working with Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations. 

DiBiase has served as an application and academic consultant for students of color, first-generation students and students with disabilities who are applying to or enrolled in law school. Throughout her career, DiBiase has engaged in significant diversity and inclusion work. Most recently, she served as a member of the diversity committee of the Association of Academic Support Educators.

“Fostering equity, inclusion, and holistic support for our students during the educational experience is critical to the continued growth and evolution of the legal profession,” she says. “It is humbling and deeply affirming to be invited into a law school community that recognizes the importance of this role in that process and I look forward to advancing that mission."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DiBiase will work remotely through the spring semester and join the law school staff in-person this summer.

The associate dean for student affairs has overall responsibility for admissions, student financial services and student affairs. DiBiase will provide a variety of services, support and information to students, including academic and personal counseling and disability accommodation services. She will also administer school policies and help design and/or oversee orientation, examinations and graduation.