Reflections from My Journey Across Three Law Schools
This year marks significant milestones for three law schools that have shaped my journey as an educator. The Appalachian School of Law is celebrating its 25th anniversary, Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law is marking 15 years, and the University of Dayton School of Law is commemorating 50 years since its reopening. Each of these schools has played a pivotal role in my career, and as I reflect on these milestones, I am reminded that every journey, no matter where it takes you, eventually brings you back home.
Appalachian School of Law: 25 Years of Laying the Groundwork
The Appalachian School of Law has been a cornerstone in my teaching career—it’s where I began my teaching in 2008. ASL’s 25th anniversary reminds me of the importance of building a strong foundation. When I first started teaching there, I quickly realized that ASL was more than just a place of learning—it was a community. The sense of camaraderie among students, faculty, and the surrounding community was palpable, and it taught me the value of creating a supportive environment.
Just like ASL, you too are building your foundation. Remember, your journey in law school is about more than just the knowledge you acquire; it’s also about the relationships you build and the support systems you create. These will be the foundation that helps you stand strong in your legal career.
Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law: 15 Years of Innovation and Progress
At Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, now celebrating its 15th year, I learned the power of innovation and the need to embrace change. Teaching there during its early years, I was inspired by the school's commitment to thinking outside the box and adapting to the evolving needs of legal education.
For you, this milestone is a reminder to be flexible and open-minded. The legal landscape is always changing, and so should your approach to learning and problem-solving. Whether it's experimenting with new study techniques or tackling a complex legal issue from a fresh perspective, embrace the spirit of innovation. It’s this adaptability that will set you apart in your future career.
University of Dayton School of Law: 50 Years of Resilience and Rebirth
The University of Dayton School of Law holds a particularly special place in my heart, not just because it is celebrating 50 years since its reopening, but because Dayton has always felt like home to me. My wife was born at the hospital just a short walk from campus, and my parents now live in Ohio. UDSL’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and growth—qualities that have also defined my journey as an educator. When I returned to UDSL in 2023 after previously spending the 2017-2018 academic year there, it was like coming back to where my journey was always meant to bring me. There's something uniquely grounding about coming home, to a place that has seen you grow, evolve, and strive to become the best version of yourself.
For many of you, law school might feel like a journey far from what you know. But remember, every journey eventually leads you back to a place that feels like home—whether that's returning to your roots or finding a new place where you belong. For me, returning to UDSL was a return to the familiar: a community that values perseverance, innovation, and excellence.
As I celebrate these milestones from three different law schools, I encourage you to think about your journey—where it has taken you so far and where it might lead you next. Remember that each step, each challenge, and each victory is bringing you closer to your own sense of home, whether that’s a physical place, a community, or a state of mind.
