By Tejal Patel

The dean of the University’s law school has announced his intention to resign on July 31 due to health reasons.

“As you know I underwent quadruple bypass surgery two weeks ago,” wrote Aaron D. Twerski in a Feb. 1 memo sent out to his colleagues. “My cardiologist insists that the commute and additional responsibilities of deanship are not in my best interest.”

Twerski, 67, has been the dean of the law school for the past two years. According to the University’s law school Web site, “Dean Twerski is a preeminent authority in the areas of products liability and tort law.” Twerski has also taught at Brooklyn Law School and Duquesne University School of Law. His background also includes a teaching fellowship at Harvard Law School and work as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in its Civil Rights Division.

“I cannot tell you how painful this decision is for me,” wrote Twerski. “I have also been blessed with the support of President [Stuart] Rabinowitz and Provost [Herman] Berliner who have provided resources and moral support at every step along the way. I could not have asked for a more dedicated and caring administration.”

While he recovers from surgery, Twerski is out of the office. “I am feeling better everyday and hope to have a speedy recovery,” wrote the dean in an message to those who tried to reach him be e-mail.

According to his memo, Twerski is hoping to return to work by the beginning of March to “complete many of the initiatives that [the school of law has] begun and provide for a smooth transition” before he leaves in July.