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on the docket
Fa l l S e m e s t e r
Oren Griffin Appointed New Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Steve Schroeder photo
On July 1, 2012, Associate Professor of Law Oren Griffin began his appointment as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Griffin has been a member of the Mercer Law School faculty since 2006. In announcing the appointment, Dean Simson said, “In my time here, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working closely with Oren on a number of occasions, particularly on faculty appointment matters, and I look forward with great enthusiasm to the superb work that I know he will do. The Mercer Law community is extremely fortunate to have someone of Oren’s abilities and talents ready and willing to take on the position.” Griffin made clear his eagerness to take on the new challenge, saying, “This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the Law School and students.” Griffin’s teaching and scholarly interests include employment law, civil procedure, alternative dispute resolution and education law. He has significant experience in private practice representing educational institutions and for-profit organizations in federal and state courts. Griffin earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Iowa. Additionally, he holds an M.A.E. from the University of Northern Iowa and a B.S. degree from Southern University at New Orleans.
Two New Senior Staff Hired
Roger Idenden photos
During the first two months of the 2012-2013 academic year, Dean Simson announced the addition of senior staff members to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Office of Career Services. Christine Guard (left photo), director of career services, is a graduate of Tulane Law School. She spent the last 13 years as a practicing attorney in Florida. In the past few years, she worked both as an Assistant Attorney General with the Florida Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Bureau and as a J.D. Placement Advisor at Florida State University College of Law. In her current role, she primarily focuses on revamping the Career Services Office’s development programming and materials. Natalie Sundeen (right photo), assistant director of admissions, is a 2012 cum laude graduate of Mercer Law. Her principal focus is helping ensure the successful implementation of the Law School’s new recruitment and communication plan. She works closely with both Admissions Dean Marilyn Sutton and Financial Aid Director Leah Aiken.
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Mercer Lawyer | Spring 2013