SLU LAW Extracurricular involvement: SLU LAW Student Ambassador; Officer, Business Law Association; Health Law Association; Former Legal Research & Writing Teaching Assistant
Fun Facts
Do you have any unusual or exciting interests? Nothing unusual, I just love my St. Louis Cardinals and Rams, the Kentucky Wildcats, traveling somewhere fun, good music, a good book, and a good movie.
What past experience has had the most impact on your life? Why? I grew up on a grain farm in western Kentucky and I think that experience teaches you the value of hard work and responsibility, traits that serve people well in any field.
Favorite quote: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is often dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Edison
Law School Snapshot
Why did you want to go to law school? Once my fastball topped out in the 70s, I realized I couldn’t be a Cardinal, so I began working towards law school. I always wanted to attend law school, along with business school, because of the wide variety of doors that these degrees can open.
What makes a successful student? The ability to look past the final exam, graduation, and the bar – not that they are not important – to learn the course materials in a way that will better them as an attorney, not just a law student. Learning the material in a way that is both doctrinal AND practical can make a student very well adjusted to life after law school.
What’s your best experience at the School of Law? The relationships I’ve developed with other students, faculty, and staff. Law school is a great chance to meet lifelong friends and colleagues and learn from the diversity and thoughts of others.
How do you balance life and law school? ... and work. As a part-time student with a full-time career, I find that the key is to make the most of the time I do have and try to set aside time for enjoyable activities, as well. Budgeting time for work, school, church, family, friends, and fun – and being disciplined in managing that time – allows it to work. I’ve always heard that if you want to get something done, give it to a busy person to do.
What are you most excited about regarding the move downtown? SLU LAW’s new location is right in the middle of the action, not only in terms of St. Louis’s vibrant downtown community, but also the local/regional legal community. I think the career opportunities and exposure that will arise out of the move for students could be vast.
Spotlight on St. Louis
Where is your favorite place to spend Saturday afternoon in St. Louis? Busch Stadium or Fairmount Park
What does St. Louis offer that you didn’t expect? My family came to St. Louis for ballgames several times a year growing up, but living here I’ve learned that there are some really neat off-the-beaten-path places to get out and explore in and around St. Louis. For example, I recently went to Missouri’s Wine Country over in Hermann and had a great visit. It’s not hard to find something fun to do in the St. Louis area.