Stetson Lawyer - Spring 2021

A LETTER FROM THE DEAN The global pandemic has been an uncharted territory for all of us, touching each of our lives in one way or another. I am proud to say that during this time, at Stetson University College Law we have drawn on our strength as a community to advance our mission of educational excellence and student wellness. Together, we weathered changes, rose to the unexpected challenges, and met the needs of the moment. Doing so has presented us with new opportunities to be creative and innovative.

As a result, in the last 15 months, we have continued to grow.

In the pages of this magazine, you will discover more about these areas of growth. The cover story offers a retrospective of Stetson Law’s track record of exceling in the midst of the unexpected. In our 120-year history, we have survived the Great Depression and World War II. We tapped into that same persevering spirit in our response to the pandemic. In this issue, you can read about our comprehensive and thoughtful approach to keeping our community safe.

In the past year, we have also made additions to our curriculum, including a new Business Law Concentration that will leverage our community partnerships to enhance experiential opportunities for students. Further successes include enrolling one of the largest first year classes in the last decade thanks to the tireless efforts of our Admissions staff. Our students continue to make us proud, particularly through stellar performances from our advocacy teams. This year they brought home championships from the 2020 National All Star Bracket Challenge, the Chester Bedell Mock Trial Competition, the William & Mary Negotiation Tournament and more!

You, our alumni, have also been part of our triumphs as you showed your love for Stetson Law in our We Are Stetson and Law Firm Challenge philanthropic campaigns. We are so grateful for each of you.

Special thanks go to Jeffery A. Smith, J.D. ’73, who stepped up with a $100,000 gift to spur the We Are Stetson campaign, to Dick, J.D. ’67 and Joan Jacobs, who made a $200,000 gift to fund the Dick and Joan Jacobs Public Interest Environmental Law Clinic, and to Steven and Donna Overly, who committed a $10 million planned gift to create the Steven and Donna Overly Distinguished Scholars Program.

I must also note a special pride in our endeavors and achievements in diversity and inclusion. Social justice and equity have rightfully become a focal point in our country. Stetson Law is doing its part to achieve both, and our efforts have not gone unrecognized. We were one of only two law schools to receive the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

I find so much in our community to be inspired by every day. Times like this current moment bring forth the core of a community. I am proud to say that ours is particularly thoughtful, compassionate, and rigorous. Intellect and emotional intelligence are equally valued at Stetson Law. We lovingly push one another to reach new heights, always with respect for our common humanity.

There is indeed a “Stetson Way.” That is a dogged commitment to thrive and excel. This trait is what will enable us to prosper no matter what challenges we face in the future.

Michèle Alexandre Dean and Professor of Law Stetson University College of Law