Tacha, Deanell Reece Born 1946 in Goodland, KS Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit Nominated by Ronald Reagan on October 31, 1985, to a new seat authorized by 98 Stat. 333. Confirmed by the Senate on December 16, 1985, and received commission on December 16, 1985. Served as chief judge, 2001-2007. Assumed senior status on January 27, 2011. Service terminated on June 1, 2011, due to retirement. Education: University of Kansas, B.A., 1968 University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1971 Professional Career: White House fellow, special assistant to the secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, 1971-1972 Private practice, Washington, DC, 1973 Private practice, Concordia, Kansas, 1973-1974 Director, Douglas County Legal Aid Clinic, Lawrence, Kansas, 1974-1977 Faculty, University of Kansas School of Law, 1974-1985 Commissioner, U.S. Sentencing Commission, 1994-1998 Dean, Pepperdine University School of Law, 2011-