The University of Arizona is beginning a national search to replace outgoing law school Dean Toni Massaro.
Massaro told faculty, students and alumni on Thursday of her decision to step down and return to teaching next year.
Massaro, 55, became the first woman to lead the James E. Rogers College of Law in 1999.
"She's set the bar so high that it's going to be difficult to find someone to meet it," said Jeff Simmons, a Phoenix attorney who is president of the law school's alumni association.
During Massaro's tenure, the law school has been recognized as one of the nation's top legal institutions and continues to improve, said James E. Rogers, the school's namesake.
Most recently, Massaro oversaw a $21 million renovation of the law school, which was completed just before classes began this fall.
Massaro will end her term as dean in July.
UA Provost Meredith Hay has appointed Eller College of Management Dean Paul Portney as chairmen of the committee tasked with finding Massaro's replacement.
