Boyer, who has served as dean since 1992, has been a member of the UB faculty since 1973. He was associate dean for academic affairs in the law school and director of the Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy prior to being named dean.

A long-time environmental activist and author on developing cleanup plans for local waterways, Boyer will remain a member of the law faculty. A professor of environmental law, he previously has taught courses on natural resources, the Great Lakes, law and epidemiology, and law and nature.

In a letter acknowledging the dean's intentions, Provost Thomas E. Headrick praised Boyer for his efforts as dean.

"You have guided the school through a major change in its program and its finances, laid the groundwork for a major development campaign and greatly strengthened the school's ties with its alumni and supporters," Headrick said.

"In addition, you have positioned the school internally to enhance its competitive stature and reputation externally. You will leave the deanship with a record of great accomplishment under your leadership."

As dean, Boyer was involved in the formation and implementation of a new curriculum designed to counter the widespread concern that law schools are not adequately preparing their graduates to practice law. The new UB law curriculum, which was put into place in 1994, blends practical and analytical skills to produce graduates who are better able to research, understand and translate information into legal work products, such as divorce settlements, loan agreements and briefs.

According to Headrick, the university now needs to move quickly to organize the process of identifying Boyer's successor, who likely will be named from within the law school.

"My strong inclination is to look within the faculty for the next dean," the provost said.

"The school is in an excellent position, internally and externally; it has a well-defined mission and has set goals which the faculty and staff support and are working toward with continuing success. There is no great need for a catalyst for change that is often the justification for tapping an external candidate."

Boyer received a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a law degree from the University of Michigan School of Law. He is the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Environmental Law Section Award from the New York State Bar Association, which is given to individuals who make noteworthy contributions to the environment of New York State.