NCCU School of Law Begins New Chapter with Joseph Karl Grant

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has appointed Joseph Karl Grant as dean of the School of Law, effective July 1, 2026. He will report to Dr. Ontario S. Wooden, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Following a national search, Grant was selected to lead the School of Law at a pivotal time for legal education and student success. He brings an extensive background in legal education, academic leadership and institutional advancement, with a strong record of supporting faculty, engaging stakeholders and driving strategic priorities that strengthen law schools and their impact.

Grant will lead the School of Law in advancing its academic mission, improving bar passage outcomes, strengthening external partnerships and increasing the school's visibility across North Carolina and beyond. His direct engagement in work related to the development and implementation of the NextGen Bar Exam will bring valuable expertise to NCCU's efforts to support student success and enhance bar readiness.

"Joseph Grant is a thoughtful leader, respected legal scholar and experienced administrator whose background aligns well with the future of our School of Law," said Dr. Ontario S. Wooden, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "He understands the evolving landscape of legal education, including the opportunities and challenges presented by the NextGen Bar Exam, and he brings the vision, partnership-building skills and commitment to student success that this moment requires. I am confident his leadership will help strengthen academic excellence, improve bar passage outcomes and elevate the School of Law's impact and visibility."

Most recently, Grant has served as interim dean and holds the Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nault Chair in Legal Education at Capital University School of Law. In prior leadership roles, including associate dean of administration and finance, he oversaw budget management, faculty development and promotion and tenure processes. He also serves as a subject matter expert on the National Conference of Bar Examiners' NextGen Bar Business Associations Drafting Committee.

Grant has held faculty appointments at several institutions, including Howard University School of Law, Florida A&M University College of Law, West Virginia University College of Law, Appalachian School of Law and the University of Oregon. His teaching and scholarship span business associations, property, estates and trusts, taxation, financial regulation, sustainable business entities and race and the law. Before entering academia, Grant practiced corporate and securities and labor and employment law in Cleveland and later established his own private practice. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law.

His proven success in fundraising, strength in stakeholder engagement and strategic leadership will be essential to advancing the School of Law and building on its legacy of excellence.