Miles Law School on Thursday announced that retired Jefferson County Judge Carole Smitherman will become the school’s new dean.

Smitherman retired from Jefferson County in January after 13 years as a circuit court judge.

“Serving as Dean of Miles Law School is an honor. It is also a great responsibility. As an alumnus of Miles Law School, I have firsthand knowledge of the things that make our academic experience distinct. And as a jurist, I know the value that Miles Law School’s graduates bring with them to the legal field,” said Smitherman.

Established in 1974, Miles Law School has a long list of notable alumni including Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr; Bessemer District Attorney Lynneice Washington; State Senator Rodger Smitherman, and Jefferson County Judges Brendette Brown-Green and Patricia Stephens.

“Continuing Miles Law School’s legacy requires growth. I thank President Bobbie Knight for being a willing partner in our efforts to increase enrollments, advance alumni engagement, and attract distinguished professors to teach our students,” said Carole Smitherman.

Miles College President Bobbie Knight said Smitherman’s selection as dean “is evidence that the school’s leadership understands the importance of continuing its impact in the community. We are all anticipating great things as Judge Smitherman raises Miles Law School’s impact, and extends its legacy.”

A 1979 graduate of Miles Law School, Carole Smitherman served as a Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge, and later as the 31st Mayor of the City of Birmingham. She served for years as a City Councilor in Birmingham.

John O. Hudson, III, Chairman, Miles Law School said Smitherman is the best person for the job. “Her accomplishments as a jurist, a public official, and as a lawyer in the private sector has given her the ability to lead with empathy as she offers mentorship to the next generation,” he said. “She also has the unique ability to convene some of the brightest minds in Alabama’s legal community — a gift that adds value to Miles Law School’s already special academic experience.”