Faculty Spotlight: Carolyn Ryburn

Carolyn Ryburn teaches Research, Writing, and Analysis at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and brings a strong background in legal practice and pedagogy. A Bowen alumna herself, Ryburn is deeply invested in the success of Bowen’s students and the future of Arkansas’s legal community.

Ryburn began her legal career in litigation at a defense firm in Little Rock before transitioning to an in-house position in human resources at a multi-state bank. She first joined Bowen Law in 2020 as a visiting professor. In 2021 she transitioned to writing specialist, and worked extensively in the PASS (Professional Academic Support Services) program.

In 2023, she returned to teaching as a Visiting Assistant Professor and continues to serve as a PASS Program mentor.

Her research focuses on legal education and pedagogy, with a particular interest in experiential learning. Her published scholarship includes an article on using BINGO to teach legal vocabulary, and she has two forthcoming publications: one on the benefits of hosting oral arguments in a courthouse and another exploring the use of AI in classroom exercises.

“I intentionally incorporate experiential learning and reflective discussions,” Ryburn says. “The goal is to help students develop the professionalism and confidence they need to be practice-ready.”

As a passionate educator and Bowen graduate, she sees her teaching as a form of public service—equipping future lawyers to serve their communities effectively. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time on the water and is an avid water skier.

Ryburn earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hendrix College, a Master of Public Administration from UA Little Rock, and a Juris Doctor from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.