NASHVILLE (AP) - Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has been named dean of Belmont University's College of Law.

Gonzales joined the school in 2012 as the first Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair of Law.

According to a news release from the school, he has taught courses at Belmont in constitutional law, separation of powers, national security law and First Amendment law. Since coming to Nashville, Gonzales also has worked for the law firm of Waller, Lansden, Dortch and Davis. He plans to resign that position to focus full-time on the College of Law, where he will be responsible for the college's finances, administration, and planning and development.

Gonzales' appointment is effective June 1. He replaces founding Dean Jeff Kinsler, who has decided to become a full-time faculty member.