University Of Illinois Law School Dean Stepping Down

The dean of the University of Illinois College of Law is stepping down after a tenure that saw the school investigated for using inflated grades and entrance-exam scores to boost its reputation.

Bruce Smith was appointed dean just as the admissions scandal became public in 2009. The university announced Thursday he will return to the law school faculty.

John Colombo, who primarily teaches tax law, was named interim dean effective June 1, upon board of trustees' approval.

During Smith's tenure, an investigation of marketing material found inaccurate data was posted online for the class of 2014. The inaccurate information was also forwarded to the American Bar Association and to ranking organizations, such as the influential U.S. News & World Report.

The law school's ranking, and enrollment, fell as a result.