LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 6, 2026) — University of Kentucky Provost Robert S. DiPaola has named Greg Van Tatenhove as the new dean of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, pending Board of Trustees approval.
Van Tatenhove, a 1989 alumnus of the college, is currently serving as district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, a role he has held since his confirmation by the U.S. Senate in December 2005. In that time, he served as chair of the Judicial Conference Committee on Court Administration and Case Management and a member of the Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Group.
He currently serves as an adjunct instructor for the Rosenberg College of Law, teaching “Crime and Punishment: Sentencing Policy and Procedure,” and as a judge and lecturer in the Trial Advocacy Program for Assistant United States Attorneys for the National Advocacy Center.
Prior to his appointment as district judge, Van Tatenhove served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky from 2001 to 2006. In that capacity, he was a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and chair of the Budget Subcommittee.
His past roles include serving as chief of staff for U.S. Representative Ron Lewis of the 2nd congressional district of Kentucky and as an Honors Program trial attorney in the civil division for the U.S. Department of Justice.
“The J. David Rosenberg College of Law has a rich history of impactful and innovative education and service to the legal profession,” DiPaola said. “Judge Van Tatenhove’s extensive experience with leading highly skilled teams within our state and national judicial system will serve him well as he partners with our world-class faculty, staff and students to engage in the vital teaching, practice and scholarship of law.”
Van Tatenhove earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Asbury University before becoming legislative assistant and press secretary to U.S. Congressman Daniel E. Lungren of California and then legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
He then went on to earn his law degree from the Rosenberg College of Law, serving as articles editor for the Kentucky Law Journal and as a member of the Moot Court Board.
After earning his law degree, Van Tatenhove became law clerk for Eugene Siler Jr., then the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
“As a graduate of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, this institution has long meant a great deal to me,” said Van Tatenhove. “Our students are talented and dedicated. And the faculty are exceptional teachers and scholars committed to student success. I’m honored to return as dean to hold in trust our important legacy. And in an ever-changing world, support a college that is preparing the next generation of lawyers and leaders for our communities.”
Van Tatenhove will succeed James Duff, who has served as interim dean of the Rosenberg College of Law since July 2025.
“The appointment of United States District Judge Greg Van Tatenhove to serve as the next dean of the University of Kentucky College of Law will advance the college and accelerate its recognition as one of the outstanding law schools in the region,” said J. David Rosenberg. “Judge Van Tatenhove’s prominence and respect among his peers in the judiciary and among leading attorneys will help attract top-flight students and faculty to our college, and will engage our alumni in supporting its success. His years of experience as U.S. Attorney and district judge will be invaluable in guiding our graduates starting their own careers. I am proud Judge Van Tatenhove will be the next dean of the school that bears my name.”
Learn more about the UK Rosenberg College of Law here: https://law.uky.edu/