THUNDER BAY -- The interim law dean at Lakehead University is leaving the post to return to the bench.
The university announced that Patrick Smith, who had been filling in as the leader of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, will serve his last day with the school on Friday before returning to his duties as an Ontario Superior Court justice.
Smith has been in the capacity for the past three months following the resignation of former dean Angelique EagleWoman, who levelled allegations of systemic racism against the school.
The university also announced that David Barnett, Lakehead's provost and academic vice president, will assume the responsibilities of interim law dean.
The search for a permanent replacement remains ongoing, the university said.
