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UF alum named law dean at Kentucky

David A. Brennen (JD 91, LL.M. 94) has been named dean of the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Brennen co-authored Tax Law of Charities and Other Exempt Organizations (Thomson/West) with UF Law Professor Steve Willis and two other co-authors. He was a speaker at the UF Nelson Symposium in 2003 and spoke on a Center for the Study of Race & Race Relations panel at UF in 2002. He also published in the Florida Tax Review in 2002.

Brennen is joining the University of Kentucky from the University of Georgia School of Law where he has been a professor since 2006 and from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) where he is completing a two year term as deputy director. Along with more than 15 years of experience in the classroom, Brennen is regarded as an innovator in the field of nonprofit law. He is a co-founder and co-editor of Nonprofit Law Prof Blog, founding editor of Nonprofit and Philanthropy Law Abstracts, co-founder of the AALS Section on Nonprofit and Philanthropy Law and a co-author of one of the first law school casebooks on taxation of nonprofit organizations.

Spending time both as an educator and a legal scholar, Brennen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of dean. Brennen received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida Atlantic University and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law, where he also received his LL.M. in tax law. In 2002, Brennen was elected to the American Law Institute where he is an adviser on its project titled, “Principles of the Law of Nonprofit Organizations.” He is also an active member of the Florida Bar Association. Brennen has also served in leadership roles with AALS and the Society of American Law Teachers.

“I am thrilled to be joining the faculty at UK Law and leading the law school as it embarks on a mission to expand an already superb legal education program,” said Brennen. “Despite the current fiscal challenges, the future is very bright. There are opportunities for increased interdisciplinary activity, expanded curricular options and improved physical facilities. I also expect that UK Law will continue to have a positive influence on legal developments in all spheres – locally, nationally and worldwide. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as dean at such a burgeoning legal institution.”