UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law Celebrates 114 Graduates at Spring Commencement
The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law celebrated 114 graduates during its Spring 2026 Commencement and Hooding Ceremony on May 16 at the Statehouse Convention Center, honoring a class distinguished by resilience, public service, and a commitment to the legal profession.
The ceremony featured keynote remarks from The Honorable Dustin McDaniel ’99, former Arkansas attorney general, Bowen alumnus, adjunct professor of law, and partner at Cozen O’Connor. McDaniel delivered a reflective and deeply personal address that challenged graduates to embrace the responsibility and public trust inherent in the legal profession.
“You are more powerful and more well-prepared than you realize,” McDaniel told the graduating class. Reflecting on his own experience arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court, he said the moment reinforced that “the legal education that I got at UALR William H. Bowen School of Law gave me everything I needed to perform at the highest levels conceivable.” He encouraged graduates to lead with integrity, professionalism, and service as they enter a rapidly changing legal landscape.
Dean Colin Crawford opened the ceremony by recognizing the graduates’ commitment to public service and professionalism, central themes of Bowen’s mission. He highlighted the significant service work completed by members of the graduating class through clinics, externships, and community initiatives, including students who completed more than 1,000 and 600 hours of service during law school. Crawford also recognized the contributions of Bowen student organizations, which led outreach projects, fundraising efforts, food drives, and community service activities throughout the academic year.
“Lawyers serve their clients and the legal system, but they are also servants of the larger society, working to make it better every day,” Crawford said.
Riley Seawright, president of the Student Bar Association, delivered remarks on behalf of the graduating class, reflecting on the perseverance and support that shaped the graduates’ journeys through law school.
“Many of you have overcome immense obstacles to be here in law school at this time,” Seawright said, quoting former professor andré douglas pond cummings’ message to students that “it very well may be a small miracle that you are here today.” He encouraged graduates to embrace the opportunity “to do something transformative” with their legal education.
Megan Hargraves ’08, president of the Bowen Alumni Board and general counsel and chief administrative officer at Mitchell Williams, welcomed graduates into Arkansas’s legal community and emphasized Bowen’s longstanding commitment to professionalism and service.
“What distinguishes Bowen is its deep integration with the Arkansas legal community,” Hargraves said. “Bowen graduates have long distinguished themselves within the legal community and profession.” She encouraged graduates to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in kindness, professionalism, and service to their communities.
The ceremony also recognized the faculty, alumni, families, and supporters who helped shape the graduates’ success. Student marshals for the ceremony were Lindsey Norman, Chacey Schoeppel Wilcox, and Riley Seawright. Professor Jordan Wallace-Wolf served as faculty marshal. Professor Joshua Silverstein introduced the candidates for degrees, Professor Michael Flannery assisted with diplomas, while Professor Terrence Cain and Pat Harris, director of advocacy, conducted the hooding portion of the ceremony.
Other members of the platform party included University of Arkansas System President General Jay B. Silveria; UA Little Rock Chancellor Dr. Christina Drale; Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Dr. Ann Bain; and Colonel Nathaniel “Nate” Todd of the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees.
Founded on the principles of access to justice, public service, and professionalism, the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law continues to prepare graduates for meaningful legal careers across Arkansas and beyond. As the Class of 2026 enters the profession, graduates carry forward Bowen’s tradition of service and leadership in courtrooms, boardrooms, public institutions, and communities throughout the state and nation.
About the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides a nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen’s hands-on approach is grounded in mentorship and real-world experience. Graduates are prepared to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.