Monmouth University has named John J. Christopher, J.D., Vice President & General Counsel effective Aug. 3, 2015. Christopher comes to Monmouth after 25 years with Hodgson Russ LLP. He was a general partner in the Buffalo, N.Y. firm where he led both the College and University and Labor and Employment practices. Christopher succeeds Grey J. Dimenna, J.D., who is retiring after 20 years of highly valued service.
“John has extensive experience advising colleges and universities on a broad range of legal issues,” said Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown, Ph.D. “His experience in higher education and labor relations, together with his enthusiasm for contributing to Monmouth University’s upward trajectory made him the clear choice for the position,” Brown said.
As the lead and developer of the College and University practice at Hodgson Russ, Christopher represented numerous post-secondary institutions, including: the State University of New York system; Niagara University; Canisius College; Hilbert College; and Niagara Community College, in some cases serving functionally as an outside general counsel. He also served as the leader of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Hodgson Russ representing employers across a diverse portfolio of labor relations issues.
“Higher education faces remarkable challenges driven by changes in student demographics, and funding mechanisms for post-secondary education,” said Christopher. “I look forward to helping Monmouth University deliver a transformative learning experience for its students, even as the skills and educational requirements of the marketplace continue to evolve.”
A graduate of Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y., Christopher earned his Juris Doctorate at the State University of New York Buffalo Law School.