San Diego

California Western School of Law has named Michael H. Dessent, executive vice president and general counsel of San Diego-based Price Co., its new dean and chief executive officer, effective May 1.

Dessent--selected after a six-month nationwide search--will succeed Ernest C. Friesen, who has been dean of the 500-student school since 1980. He has held executive posts with Central Savings & Loan Assn. and Fotomat Corp.

In announcing the appointment, California Western said Dessent’s first task will be raising the profile of the institution, one of four law schools in San Diego County.