Asbury Graduate Greg Van Tatenhove Named Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Law After Distinguished Career in Public Service
Asbury University alumnus Greg Van Tatenhove ’82 was recently named the new dean of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law at the University of Kentucky, pending Board of Trustees approval.
As a graduate of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, this institution has long meant a great deal to me.”
“Our students are talented and dedicated. And the faculty are exceptional teachers and scholars committed to student success. I’m honored to return as dean to hold in trust our important legacy. And in an ever-changing world, support a college that is preparing the next generation of lawyers and leaders for our communities.”
Van Tatenhove will succeed James Duff, who has served as interim dean of the Rosenberg College of Law since July 2025.
Van Tatenhove, a 1982 Asbury history graduate and 1989 J. David Rosenberg College of Law alumnus, is currently serving as district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, a role he has held since his confirmation by the U.S. Senate in December 2005. In that time, he served as chair of the Judicial Conference Committee on Court Administration and Case Management and a member of the Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Group.
He currently serves as an adjunct instructor for the Rosenberg College of Law, teaching “Crime and Punishment: Sentencing Policy and Procedure,” and as a judge and lecturer in the Trial Advocacy Program for Assistant United States Attorneys for the National Advocacy Center.
Prior to his appointment as district judge, Van Tatenhove served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky from 2001 to 2006. In that capacity, he was a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and chair of the Budget Subcommittee.
His past roles include serving as chief of staff for U.S. Representative Ron Lewis of the 2nd congressional district of Kentucky and as an Honors Program trial attorney in the civil division for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Van Tatenhove earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Asbury University before becoming legislative assistant and press secretary to U.S. Congressman Daniel E. Lungren of California and then legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
He then went on to earn his law degree from the Rosenberg College of Law, serving as articles editor for the Kentucky Law Journal and as a member of the Moot Court Board.
After earning his law degree, Van Tatenhove became law clerk for Eugene Siler Jr., then the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
“The appointment of United States District Judge Greg Van Tatenhove to serve as the next dean of the University of Kentucky College of Law will advance the college and accelerate its recognition as one of the outstanding law schools in the region,” said J. David Rosenberg. “Judge Van Tatenhove’s prominence and respect among his peers in the judiciary and among leading attorneys will help attract top-flight students and faculty to our college and will engage our alumni in supporting its success.”
Greg Van Tatenhove’s journey from Asbury University to the federal bench and now law school dean demonstrates how an Asbury education prepares students for meaningful leadership and lasting impact in their careers and communities.
The Asbury University Social Science & History Department offers four majors (History, Political Science, Social Studies Grades 8-12, and Sociology) and five minors (History, Human Trafficking Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law, and Sociology).