New York, USA: Sudha Setty, a trailblazer as the first South Asian-American woman to lead an ABA-accredited law school, has been an unwavering proponent of fostering diversity in leadership roles.

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), a nonprofit organization representing over 200 law schools across the United States, Canada, and Australia, has announced Setty as its incoming president and chief executive officer. She will officially assume the role on July 1, 2025, succeeding interim president Susan Krinsky.

Currently serving as the dean of the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law, Setty expressed excitement about her upcoming role, stating, "For years, I have admired LSAC's dedication to promoting access, equity, and impactful outcomes in legal education, all in pursuit of advancing law and justice."

Setty highlighted the need for collaborative action in addressing key issues in legal education. "These critical challenges demand collective efforts to cultivate a diverse, well-prepared, and engaged legal community. LSAC's contributions to expanding opportunities in legal education are essential and more relevant now than ever," she added.

The search for LSAC's new CEO was led by a committee co-chaired by Marcilynn Burke, dean of Tulane Law School, and Rebecca Scheller, associate dean of admission at the University of Wisconsin Law School. The committee praised Setty’s vision and leadership. "Sudha's impressive achievements and expertise as both a dean and educator align seamlessly with LSAC's goals for its future," Burke remarked.

Throughout her tenure at CUNY Law and her earlier role at Western New England University School of Law, Setty prioritized initiatives that promote social justice, inclusivity, and access to legal education. She was instrumental in broadening the reach of programs like Pipeline to Justice and establishing the First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative, which introduces younger students to civics, law, and justice.

As a pioneer in legal academia, Setty has consistently emphasized the importance of breaking barriers. "It is essential that we work together to uplift those who have been historically marginalized from leadership positions," she stated.

A distinguished expert in national security and comparative civil rights law, Setty is a member of the American Law Institute and holds a JD from Columbia Law School. Her extensive contributions to the field include serving on the Deans Steering Committee of the Association of American Law Schools and the editorial board of the Journal of National Security Law and Policy.