Mark Niles | Seattle U photo

Mark Niles of American University’s Washington College of Law has been selected dean of Seattle University School of Law.

Niles’ appointment ends a nationwide search for a dean that began after former dean Kellye Testy announced her departure to University of Washington’s School of Law May 13. Niles will assume his position July 1, 2010.

Niles is currently associate dean for academic affairs  at Washington College of Law.

“At American University, [Niles] has spearheaded significant developments in the law school’s first-year curriculum and in academic skills instruction,” wrote Seattle U President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. in an e-mail to the university today.

Niles was selected out of four finalists chosen in November. The School of Law said it received dozens of applications.

“I am honored to have been chosen from among the extremely impressive group of finalists for the position of Dean of the Seattle University School of Law,” Niles said in a press release.