The law dean at the University of Akron has informed alumni he is stepping down from the top job and returning to the classroom.
Martin Belsky, 68, said he is not seeking reappointment to the job he has held for five years and for which he is paid $252,458.
“I love this place, but it’s time for a change,” he said. “We’re poised to be even better than we are, and I’m looking forward to working with whoever comes in.”
He said he might stay on as dean while the university searches for his successor or could return to the classroom as early as next month if UA names an interim dean.
Belsky has led the effort to raise $10 million for a new $23.6 million law school building.
That project has been put on hold pending a study by Sasaki Associates that will update the campus plan. The results of the study are expected to be presented to UA trustees at the next board meeting June 13.
“The options are a new building where we are, a new building at a new site or renovating the current building,” Belsky said.
He said the university has raised about $6 million toward a new building.
Before joining UA, Belsky was a dean and professor at the University of Tulsa College of Law.
Before that, he was a prosecutor in Philadelphia, held federal appointments and taught and held management posts at the University of Florida and Albany School of Law in New York.
Belsky said he will be teaching professional responsibility, constitutional law and law and religion or law and theology when he steps down.
The UA law school, founded in 1921 and accredited by the American Bar Association in 1961, admits about 175 students each fall.
Carol Biliczky can be reached at cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3729.
