A legal scholar and author is set to become the next president of the Vermont Law School, the school’s trustees announced.

Rodney A. Smolla will become president on July 1. Smolla is coming to Vermont from from Widener University Delaware Law School, where he has served as dean and professor of law since 2015, the school announced on Thursday.

Vermont Law School said Smolla’s appointment represents the first in a series of personnel and operational changes designed to enhance the school’s environmental restorative justice programs and appeal to a wider audience of prospective students and donors.

Smolla is known for his work in constitutional law, civil rights, freedom of speech, and mass media law, particularly matters relating to libel and privacy, the school said.

“His unique blend of university and law school experience, combined with an impressive scholarly record and inclusive leadership style, is going to provide VLS with tremendous momentum as we redefine the way we educate the future leaders for the community and world,” said Vermont Law School Trustee Chair Glenn Berger.