Rutgers Law School Dean Brought in as University Vice President

Rutgers University has announced that John J. Farmer Jr., dean of Rutgers School of Law-Newark has been appointed senior vice president and general counsel, replacing John Wolf, who resigned Thursday morning.

According to Rutgers, Farmer served as state attorney general from 1999 to 2002 and as senior counsel and team leader for the 9/11 Commission.

He is also a published author, and former senior adviser to Gen. James Jones, special envoy for Middle East Regional Security, according to the university.

Rutgers president Robert L. Barchi announced Farmer's appointment, effective immediately, at Thursday's Board of Governor's meeting.

Farmer replaces Wolf, former interim senior vice president and general council for Rutgers, who resigned Thursday morning due to his suggestion to suspend, rather than fire former head basketball coach Mike Rice after viewing the controversial coaching video that turned the athletic department upside down.

“I am pleased that John Farmer, our outstanding dean, will assume his new responsibilities as senior vice president and general counsel,” Barchi said, in a prepared statement. “John’s legal expertise and deep experience at many levels of leadership will serve Rutgers well at a critical time for the university.”           

Farmer will fill the position for a period of 12 to 18 months, according to Rutgers. He will be paid a salary of $330,000 during his first year, according to a report on NJ.com.

Ronald Chen, vice dean of Rutgers School of Law-Newark, will serve as acting dean in Farmer's place, according to Rutgers.