Kathleen Boozang, an associate dean at Seton Hall University School of Law and founder of the school's prestigious health law program, has been named the next dean of the law school.

Dean Patrick Hobbs, who has led the school since 1999 and is preparing to step down from his position, announced the selection of Boozang in an email to faculty and staff on Friday afternoon, said Janet LeMonnier, the law school's director of communications. A more formal public announcement is expected shortly, LeMonnier said.

Boozang is expected to start as dean July 1, according to LeMonnier. Hobbs will begin transitioning out of his position immediately but will continue at his post until June 30, LeMonnier said. Hobbs is expected to take a one-year sabbatical before returning to the law school to teach tax law, LeMonnier said.