Susan Westerberg Prager J.D. ’71

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With the wisdom and energy with which she is so closely identified, Susan Westerberg Prager became dean of the UCLA School of Law in 1982 at the age of 39. The first UCLA School of Law graduate to be appointed the school’s dean, for 16 years she led the law school to greater academic prominence, and dramatically expanded facilities – creating a new landmark on the campus and a model of private and public support gathered during a prolonged economic recession. To the many who came forward to help, she recently said that “the feelings of satisfaction, of celebrating excellence, of success in the face of considerable adversity, of dedicating ourselves in a sustained way to a large, and what some felt an unattainable goal, have all combined to forge a bond which I am convinced will last our lifetimes.”

Named Provost of Dartmouth College late in 1998, Susan now serves as the chief academic officer of the college. Prager has been one of the nation’s strongest voices in support of intellectual and racial diversity. She has testified before a number of community groups and legislative bodies, including the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, on the importance of affirmative action. During her years as dean, she celebrated the law school’s diversity as an essential element in its greatness, and recruited students and faculty who understood the value of working together in a diverse community.

Prager served as president of the Association of American Law Schools in 1986 and as a trustee of Stanford University for 14 years. She is a longtime director of Pacific Mutual and her numerous honors and achievements include invited lectures at law schools around the country, awards from MALDEF, the L.A. Legal Aid Foundation, the Santa Monica Baykeeper, and three different UCLA alumni associations. The law school’s Lifetime Achievement Award is named after her.

Of her years as a student at UCLA, Susan speaks of great teachers and scholars who illuminated for her the excitement of teaching and the satisfaction of research aimed at law reform. Of her years as dean, she always acknowledges her predecessor, William Warren, as her great role model and wise mentor; the excitement, drive and openness of highly collegial law faculty, and the enormous pleasure of working and laughing with such a devoted staff. She also speaks strongly of Chancellor Young’s extraordinary vision, leadership and support.