BOISE - Former Idaho Supreme Court justice Cathy Silak has been named founding Dean of the Concordia University Law School in Boise.

Concordia University says it conducted a thorough national search for the dean, and found in Silak "a candidate who is uniquely qualified for the position. Her legal experience and expertise is exemplified by her tenure as a supreme court justice of Idaho."

"Her commitment to community is demonstrated by her recent work as president of the Idaho Community Foundation. The board was extremely pleased that the person who best met its high standards is from Idaho."

During the coming months, Silak will lead the planning of the law program and build financial and community support for the new school. She will also honor her previous legal and community commitments during this startup period.

Concordia University is a private, Lutheran, liberal arts university located in Portland. Historically, the University has drawn students from Idaho as well as throughout the Northwest.

This has led naturally to a significant relationship between Idaho and the University, including philanthropic support, student recruitment and mutual interest.