Wendy Hensel, dean of Georgia State University’s College of Law since 2017, has been appointed interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the university, effective July 1.

She succeeds Risa Palm, who will return to the faculty after 10 years as provost.

Leslie Wolf, professor of law, Distinguished University Professor and director of the Center for Law, Health and Society, will be the interim dean of the College of Law, beginning July 1.

“Wendy Hensel is an outstanding scholar and academic leader, and she possesses all of the talents, qualities and experience we need in a provost,” president Mark Becker said in announcing the appointment.

Hensel is a nationally recognized expert on employment discrimination and special education. Her scholarship has appeared in leading books, peer-reviewed publications and law reviews, and her work has been cited by courts, media outlets and scholars nationally and internationally.

Prior to heading the College of Law, Hensel was the college’s first associate dean for research and faculty development. She created innovative professional development programs and fostered best practices in legal education. Hensel also led the development and implementation of the college’s strategic plan.

She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned a Truman Scholarship, one of the highest national honors awarded to undergraduates. She earned her juris doctor degree with honors at the Harvard Law School, then clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Orinda Evans in the Northern District of Georgia. Hensel practiced labor and employment law with the law firm of Alston & Bird, litigating discrimination cases and counseling Fortune 500 companies on compliance with the Americans with Disability Act. She is a strong advocate for people with disabilities and is on the board of directors of several organizations committed to their full inclusion in society.