Toronto Metropolitan University Re-appoints Donna E. Young as Lincoln Alexander School of Law Dean
In a move that underscores continuity and visionary leadership, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has reappointed Donna E. Young as the dean of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law for a second five-year term. Young, who has been at the helm since the law school’s inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin her new term on July 1, 2025.
Young’s reappointment is a testament to her transformative impact on the law school. As its founding dean, she navigated the unprecedented challenges of launching a new institution during a global crisis. Under her leadership, the Lincoln Alexander School of Law has carved out a distinct identity, emphasizing accessible, equitable, and technologically advanced legal education.
Leadership and Achievements
Since assuming the role in 2020, Young has been instrumental in shaping the law school’s mission and culture. Despite the pandemic’s constraints, she successfully fostered a vibrant virtual community, enabling students to create over 40 clubs and associations. This sense of engagement and inclusivity has become a hallmark of the school.
Under Young’s guidance, the law school has prioritized innovation, diversity, and access. These values align closely with TMU’s broader institutional mission. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, TMU’s provost and academic vice-president, praised Young’s leadership, noting her ability to provide both vision and stability during the school’s formative years.
A Visionary Leader in Legal Education
Young’s reappointment is not just a recognition of her past achievements but also a vote of confidence in her ability to steer the law school into its next phase of growth. As legal education continues to evolve, her expertise in areas such as law and inequality, race and gender discrimination, and university governance will remain invaluable.
With over 30 years of experience in legal academia, Young brings a unique blend of scholarship, teaching, and administrative acumen to her role. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on Criminal Law, Employment Law, and Gender and Work, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing social and legal issues.
Academic and Professional Background
Donna E. Young’s academic and professional journey is marked by trailblazing achievements. Before joining Toronto Metropolitan University, she made history at Albany Law School in the United States as the first Black woman to be granted tenure and the first to receive an endowed professorship. This milestone underscored her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in legal academia.
Young’s scholarly expertise spans critical areas such as law and inequality, race and gender discrimination, academic freedom, and university governance. Her teaching portfolio reflects this expertise, with courses ranging from Criminal Law and Employment Law to Gender and Work, and Race, Rape Culture, and Law. Her ability to address pressing social and legal issues through her teaching has made her a respected figure in legal education.
Professional Experience and Education
Before entering legal academia, Young gained valuable experience as a litigator at Cornish Roland Barristers & Solicitors in Toronto. She also served as a consultant for the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the legal department of the City of New York Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations. These roles honed her practical understanding of the law and its application in real-world contexts.
Young’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, and a Master of Laws from Columbia University School of Law. Her international education and experience have equipped her with a global perspective on legal issues.
Personal Background
Donna E. Young’s personal story is a testament to her dedication to diversity and inclusion. Born to a Jamaican mother and a Belizean father, she grew up in North York, Toronto. Her multicultural upbringing has informed her perspective on equity and access, which she has championed throughout her career. Her personal and professional experiences have made her a passionate advocate for creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in legal education.
Young’s international recognition as a scholar and speaker further highlights her impact. She has presented her work at conferences in the United States, Canada, Sri Lanka, Italy, Germany, Hungary, France, Mexico, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, showcasing her ability to engage global audiences with her insights on law and inequality.
As Young begins her second term as dean, her background, achievements, and vision continue to inspire both students and colleagues. Her reappointment ensures that the Lincoln Alexander School of Law will remain at the forefront of progressive legal education, guided by her unwavering commitment to diversity, innovation, and access.
Conclusion
Donna E. Young’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to legal academia, diversity, and inclusion. As the first Black woman to achieve tenure and an endowed professorship at Albany Law School, she has consistently broken barriers and paved the way for underrepresented groups. Her extensive experience as a litigator, consultant, and scholar has equipped her with a unique perspective on law and inequality. Now, as she begins her second term as dean of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University, Young continues to inspire students and colleagues alike with her vision for a more equitable and innovative legal education system. Her work ensures that the law school remains a beacon of progress, diversity, and access for future generations.
FAQ
Who is Donna E. Young?
Donna E. Young is a trailblazing legal scholar and educator who has made history as the first Black woman to receive tenure and an endowed professorship at Albany Law School. She currently serves as the dean of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University.
What are Donna E. Young’s key achievements?
Young’s key achievements include being the first Black woman to achieve tenure and an endowed professorship at Albany Law School, advancing diversity and inclusion in legal academia, and serving as a respected litigator and consultant. She is also known for her expertise in law and inequality, race and gender discrimination, and university governance.
What areas does Donna E. Young teach?
Young’s teaching portfolio includes courses on Criminal Law, Employment Law, Gender and Work, and Race, Rape Culture, and Law. Her courses reflect her scholarly expertise in critical areas of law and social justice.
What is Donna E. Young’s educational background?
Young holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Master of Laws from Columbia University School of Law. Her international education has given her a global perspective on legal issues.
What is Donna E. Young’s vision for legal education?
Young’s vision for legal education focuses on advancing diversity, inclusion, and access. She is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and ensuring that legal education remains innovative and progressive.
