1st person of color tapped to lead IU’s McKinney law school

INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WISH) — A woman who’s a longtime professor at Indiana University’s downtown Indianapolis law school is expected to become the first person of color to lead that school.

Karen Bravo was recently named dean of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, pending formal approval by IU’s trustees at their April meeting.

“Karen Bravo has demonstrated her outstanding leadership abilities in her role as vice dean and in previous administrative positions in the law school, at IUPUI and in national organizations. She brings the vision, energy and experience to build on the McKinney School’s strong reputation and to continue the school’s tradition of graduating students who build careers at the forefront of the legal profession, industry, the judiciary and other branches of government, especially in Indiana,” said Indiana University President Michael McRobbie.

If approved, Bravo will start her new job July 1 at the school, which is located on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis.

Bravo joined the faculty of the McKinney School in 2004 as an assistant professor of law. During her 16 years, she has served as associate dean for international affairs, associate dean for graduate studies and international affairs, and vice dean for the school, according to a news release from the school.

She received the IU Trustees award for excellence in teaching in 2008 and the IUPUI Office for Women Inspirational Woman Award in 2016.

Bravo, who is black and from Jamaica, will become the second woman to lead the McKinney law school.