Last week marked “First Week” at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law. This extra week of law school is designed to transition the law school’s new students to the rigors of law school and begin developing the peer networks essential to their success. The week includes activities, classes, and study group meetings, allowing the students to get accustomed to law school, meet their professors, and get better acquainted with each other.
This year’s students have come to Bowen from 53 different colleges and universities in 15 different states. They represent 41 different undergraduate majors. Many have studied abroad, some are student athletes, and many more have been involved in student government.
Many of them worked while they were in college, and many left successful careers to attend law school; the class includes former teachers, reporters, and veterans from all five branches of the military.
This year’s incoming class totals 144 students, 109 in the full-time division and 35 in the part-time division. This class size represents a striking 23% increase in enrollment over last year. Bowen is one of only fifteen schools in the country (out of 205) where enrollment is up greater than 20%.
“We’re thrilled to have each and every student at Bowen,” said Bowen Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz. “The large increase in enrollment and the academic strength of the students is a direct result of the hard work of faculty, educational staff, and current students.”
