John W. Head

John W. Head is the Robert W. Wagstaff Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas School of Law. He holds an English law degree from Oxford University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia. Before joining KU, he served as legal counsel at the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and held visiting professorships at institutions globally, including the University of Hong Kong and the Balsillie School of International Affairs. His research focuses on international and comparative law, with emphasis on legal aspects of international business, environmental protection, economic relations, and Chinese law. He has authored over 20 books, including works on global business law and Chinese legal traditions. Head has been recognized with numerous awards for teaching and leadership, including the W.T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence and the Provost’s Award for International Education Leadership.

Education: J.D., University of Virginia School of Law (1979); M.A. Juris, Oxford University (1977); B.A., University of Missouri (1975). He has held three Fulbright Fellowships (China, Italy, Canada) and served as a Paul Hastings Visiting Professor in Hong Kong. His current research explores international agricultural law and policy, with a focus on sustainable agroecological systems. He actively coaches international law moot court teams and co-sponsors the International Law Society at KU.

Scientific Awards: Recipient of the Schroeder Teaching Fellowship, Immel Award for Teaching Excellence, Dean Frederick J. Moreau Award, and the Graduate Mentor of the Year Award. His contributions to global governance and legal education have also earned him the Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award.

Labs/Teams: He directs research on agroecology and global legal frameworks through his academic work and international collaborations. His involvement with moot court teams and international law societies fosters student engagement with transnational legal challenges.