Ronald J. Rychlak, Distinguished University Professor and Jamie L. Whitten Chair in Law and Government, has been on the law school faculty since 1987. In 2019 he received the university’s highest research and publication recognition, the “Distinguished Research and Creative Achievement Award” based upon his reputation for scholarly activity and leadership roles in professional societies. In 2023, he received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the University’s highest award in honor of service, for “placing service to others and the community before oneself, while embodying the qualities of honesty, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage, and compassion.” In 2024, he was voted “Outstanding Law Professor” by the student body.
For thirteen years, Ron served as the law school’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and since 2007 he has served as the university’s Faculty Athletic Representative and chair of the University’s standing committee on Intercollegiate Athletics. Since 2000, he has served as legal advisor to the Holy See’s mission to the United Nations. He is secretary of the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Conference and serves on the Standing University Committee on Athletic Compliance, which he chaired for almost 10 years.
Ron is a graduate of Wabash College (BA 1980, cum laude) and Vanderbilt University School of Law (JD 1983, Order of the Coif). Prior to joining the faculty, he practiced law with Jenner & Block in Chicago and served as a clerk to Judge Harry Wellford of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is the past-president of the Southeastern Association of Law Schools, chair of the Mississippi Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and a member of the Mississippi Supreme Court’s Criminal Law Reform Committee. He serves on editorial boards of The Gaming Law Review and Cluny Media. He also serves on advisory boards for Ave Maria Law School, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, The Catholic Bar Association, and the Society of Catholic Social Scientists. He is a member of the Order of Merlin Shield in the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Ron is the author, co-author, or editor of twelve books and over 100 articles. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican called his book, Hitler, the War, and the Pope “definitive” in its response to charges made against the leader of the Catholic Church during World War II. He has been published in Notre Dame Law Review, UCLA Law Review, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and numerous other periodicals and journals. Media appearances include CNN, ABC, Fox News, National Geographic TV; The Military Channel; PBS radio; Coast to Coast with George Noory; C-SPAN; and more.
Education
J.D., Vanderbilt University
B.A., Wabash College
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