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A graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law will serve as chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court.

The state’s Judicial Nominating Commission selected Acting Chief Justice Brent Dickson, ’68, to serve the remainder of his term as chief. Indiana’s mandatory retirement age for judges is 75, and Chief Justice Dickson will reach this milestone in July of 2016.

“Justice Dickson will make a stellar Chief Justice and we are extremely proud of him,” said Dean Gary R. Roberts. “This school has been producing leaders in all walks of life for over 100 years, but we have had a particularly strong impact on the Indiana judiciary in which so many of our graduates serve. Justice Dickson has taught as an adjunct professor at our school and has been a real friend to our institution for many years. I know that his experience and sound judgment will serve the Supreme Court and the people of Indiana exceedingly well!”

Chief Justice Dickson received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University. After 17 years as a general practitioner in Lafayette, he was elevated to the high court by Governor Robert D. Orr in January 1986. He is known for his work aimed at fostering attorney civility, and is co-founder of the Sagamore Chapter of the American Inns of Court in Indianapolis. He is equally committed to enforcing and enhancing high standards for the legal profession, and has long served as the court’s liaison to the Disciplinary Commission and the Board of Law Examiners.

Chief Justice Dickson is one of three IU McKinney alumni who serve on the court. Justice Steven David, ’82, was appointed in 2010. Justice Mark Massa, ’89, was appointed earlier this year.