Set to commence in early 2026, Melbourne-based RMIT University has announced the appointment of the inaugural dean to lead its new School of Law.
RMIT University has named Professor Diana Bowman (pictured) as the university’s inaugural dean of its newly established School of Law and will officially step into the role in January 2026.
Bowman will return to Australia after more than 14 years in the United States, where she currently serves as the associate dean of applied research and partnerships at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Before her decade-long tenure at Arizona State University, she was co-director of the Center for Smart Cities and Regions and a professor in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society.
Formerly known as the Graduate School of Business and Law, the newly renamed school integrates RMIT’s existing undergraduate and postgraduate legal programs.
Reflecting on her appointment, Bowman described returning to Melbourne as both a personal homecoming and an exciting chance to spearhead RMIT’s new School of Law, preparing students to thrive amid an evolving legal landscape.
“Returning to Melbourne and joining RMIT is both a homecoming and an incredible opportunity,” Bowman said.
“I’m excited to lead a School of Law that’s bold in its vision – one that fuses technology, innovation and purpose to empower our students to drive change and shape the future of the legal profession.”
Bowman’s research has focused on the governance of emerging technologies and public health law.
Over her career, she has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, co-edited 11 volumes, and in 2018 was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow for the impact of her research.
RMIT’s deputy vice-chancellor of the College of Business and Law, Professor Colin Picker, said Bowman’s leadership will be pivotal in defining the vision and future direction of the new law school.
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Bowman to RMIT as our inaugural dean of law. Her visionary approach and extraordinary track record in leadership and research will inspire our staff and students alike,” Picker said.
“Harnessing the great teaching and research already present, I am sure that the School of Law will grow from strength to strength under Professor Bowman’s leadership, and set new standards in legal education and innovation.”
