Howard Law names Cedric Merlin Powell Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, succeeding Mariela Olivares

Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. of the Howard University School of Law has appointed Professor Cedric Merlin Powell as the new Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, succeeding Associate Dean Mariela Olivares, who will return to the faculty after an impactful six-year tenure in the role.

Olivares guided the law school through a period of institutional growth and transition with grace, rigor, and a student-centered approach. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening academic operations, advancing curricular development, and supporting both faculty and students. The School of Law is deeply grateful for her service and continued commitment to the Howard Law community.

In a message to the law school community, Olivares reflected on her time in the position, calling it both challenging and deeply rewarding. "Our community is in excellent hands with Dean Powell," she wrote.

Before joining Howard Law following a year-long visit, Associate Dean Powell served as the Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs Professor of Law and Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.  He brings to Howard a deep commitment to racial and social justice, a record of outstanding teaching, and a prolific body of scholarship on constitutional law, rhetoric, and inequality.

“As Associate Dean Olivares concludes her six years of service as associate dean for academic affairs, we celebrate the lasting impact she has made on our academic community,” said Dean Fairfax. “Students, faculty, and staff have all benefited from her dedication and exceptional leadership. I know without a doubt that Associate Dean Powell will leverage his extraordinary talents to carry forward the important work Associate Dean Olivares has championed.”