Elizabeth A. Kronk Warner recently made history when she became the first woman and first Native American selected as dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law at The University of Utah.
Still, she readily admits that she wrestles with imposter syndrome.
“Every time I advance to a new position, I worry that I am not good enough or that people will see through me,” says Kronk Warner, who took the helm of the 106-year-old law school in July. “I was scared to take over as dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law given I held it in such high esteem and feared that I would not be good enough.”
That kind of blunt but honest talk has proven to be reassuring for many of the 300 or so law school students at Quinney — particularly those who hail from underrepresented backgrounds — who struggle with similar feelings, wondering if they have what it takes to make it in the legal profession.
In her short time on the job, Kronk Warner has already created a culture of openness and has made diversity — in recruitment and retention — a major priority of her administration. She wants her students to know that she too is like many of them and has used her bully pulpit to focus on building a culture of collaboration where students and faculty lean on each other, while also paying close attention to their mental health, wellness and mindfulness.
“Law school does not have to be cutthroat,” she says, matter-of-factly. “It’s important to take time to learn how to focus and learn how to be a bit happier.”
A national expert in environmental and tribal law, Kronk Warner has emerged as a mighty force in legal education. Prior to her appointment at the University of Utah, she served as associate dean of academic a airs, professor and director of the Tribal Law and Government Center at the University of Kansas School of Law. As associate dean, Warner oversaw operations, admissions, career services and several degree and certi cate programs.
