Dennis ArpOn Dec. 1, 2021, Matt Parlow, dean of the Fowler School of Law and Donald P. Kennedy Chair in Law, became Chapman University’s new executive vice president and chief advancement officer.
Parlow came to the role with distinguished achievements, first as a professor at Fowler School of Law from 2005 to 2008, then as associate dean at Marquette University Law School from 2010 to 2016, and as the Fowler Law dean since 2016. In addition to being a prolific legal scholar, Parlow has been a leader in the legal academy, serving as the chair of both the State and Local Government Law and the Sports Law sections of the Association of American Law Schools as well as on accreditation teams for the American Bar Association.
“I am thrilled to be leading the talented, dedicated and award-winning team in University Advancement. Chapman is a special place that has distinguished itself nationally with its growth and momentum throughout its history, which has rapidly accelerated during the past 30 years. I look forward to working with the entire Chapman Family to continue to elevate this great university to new heights in the future,” Parlow said.
A Track Record of Leadership and Fundraising Success
Parlow’s fundraising success as dean of Fowler Law led to the establishment of several new professorships to support faculty research and teaching. He created scholarship funds to increase access for students from underrepresented groups and supported the expansion of key curricular areas to spur innovation and student success. These donor-supported initiatives led to a rise in the rankings by Fowler School of Law, and it garnered national awards and recognition from the American Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, Prelaw Magazine and National Jurist Magazine.
As dean, Parlow brought Fowler Law to financial stability while reaching new heights in admissions, career services and other key areas of institutional success. During the past few years, the Fowler School of Law has matriculated the strongest and most diverse classes in its history and has achieved three consecutive years of record graduate employment.
“As an experienced fundraiser and a committed academic who understands and embodies our teaching and research mission, Matt brings his management expertise and his intellectual energy to his new role as EVP to work with the entire university to expand the strategic role that Advancement has in the modern university,” said Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa.
Parlow came to the position following the tenure of Sheryl Bourgeois, Ph.D., who served Chapman University for 24 years and whose immeasurable contributions helped build the university into what it is today.
