About Gail
Gail Agrawal is a distinguished legal academic and administrator based in Lawrence, Kansas. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees from Tulane University in 1983, specializing in health systems management. Prior to her graduate studies, Agrawal completed her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) at the University of New Orleans in 1978, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors in law and public health. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to understanding the intersection of law and health, which has been a central theme throughout her career. In 1984, Agrawal clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, gaining inexperience in the nation's highest court.
This prestigious clerkship provided her with unique insights into the judicial process and the details of constitutional law. The following year, she served as a law clerk to Senior Judge John Minor Wisdom of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. These clerkships were pivotal in shaping her legal acumen and prepared her for a successful career in legal academia. Agrawal's academic career began in 1986 when she joined the University of Kansas School of Law as a faculty member. Over the years, she held various positions, including Professor, Associate Dean, and Interim Dean.
In 2006, she was appointed Dean of the School of Law, a role she held until 2010. During her tenure, Agrawal was instrumental in advancing the school's mission and enhancing its reputation, focusing on curriculum development and faculty recruitment. Her leadership helped to position the school as a significant player in legal education. In 2010, Agrawal transitioned to the University of Iowa College of Law, where she served as Dean until 2018. Her tenure at Iowa was marked by a commitment to academic excellence and student success. After stepping down as Dean, she continued her association with the University of Iowa as Dean Emerita and F.
Wendell Miller Professor of Law. This role allowed her to remain actively engaged in legal scholarship and mentorship, further influencing the next generation of legal professionals. Agrawal's leadership and contributions to legal education have been widely recognized. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in various professional organizations, including the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA). Additionally, she has served on the Executive Committee of the Kansas Bar Association's Health Law Section. Her experience and dedication to legal education have left a lasting impact on the institutions she has served and the students she has mentored, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field.
