University of Kentucky College of Law

The University of Kentucky has named one of its graduates, U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, as the next dean of the university’s J. David Rosenberg College of Law. 

Van Tatenhove was nominated to the federal bench by Republican President George W. Bush and has served as a judge in the Eastern District of Kentucky since 2005. Kentucky Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Senate’s longest serving party leader, spoke on Van Tatenhove’s behalf during his confirmation process. 

At the time, McConnell highlighted Van Tatenhove as one of his former staffers and as legal counsel to former U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis, another Kentucky Republican. 

UK Provost Robert S. DiPaola, who appointed Van Tatenhove as the dean, said in a Friday statement that the College of Law “has a rich history of impactful and innovative education and service to the legal profession.” 

“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,” DiPaola said. 

In addition to being an alumnus of UK’s law school, Van Tatenhove, has been an adjunct professor there since 2017. 

J. David Rosenberg, who is a senior partner in the Cincinnati firm of Keating, Muething & Klekamp, said in the press release that Van Tatenhove’s appointment “will advance the college and accelerate its recognition as one of the outstanding law schools in the region.” 

“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,” Rosenberg said. “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.”

Before being appointed to the federal judiciary, Van Tatenhove was the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky from 2001 to 2026 and was also nominated by Bush to that role. 

Van Tatenhove will succeed James Duff, who has been the interim dean of the college since July 2025.