[{"id":42709,"date":"2026-04-01T17:47:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T22:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/?p=42709"},"modified":"2026-04-01T17:47:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T22:47:24","slug":"2026-faculty-excellence-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/04\/01\/2026-faculty-excellence-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Bowen Law Faculty Recognized with 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>LITTLE ROCK, Ark. \u2014<\/strong>&nbsp;Five faculty members from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law have been selected as recipients of the university\u2019s 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in the categories of research, teaching, public service, social justice, and rising faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The honorees will be recognized during the Faculty Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 2, on the UA Little Rock campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThese faculty members represent the very best of Bowen Law and the vital role legal education plays in strengthening our communities,\u201d said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. \u201cThrough their scholarship, teaching, and service, they are expanding access to justice, advancing knowledge, and preparing students to lead with integrity and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-faculty-excellence-award-for-research\"><strong>Faculty Excellence Award for Research<\/strong><br>Joshua M. Silverstein, professor of law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Silverstein is recognized for his scholarship in business law and legal education theory. He has produced a body of scholarship addressing complex issues in commercial law, including contract interpretation, empirical legal methods, and bankruptcy law. His work has influenced legal debate in courts and academic literature, including citation by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2024 <em>Purdue Pharma<\/em> case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLegal scholarship plays an important role in clarifying complex issues and strengthening the institutions that shape our justice system,\u201d Silverstein said. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to contribute to these conversations and to be part of a community that values thoughtful inquiry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He is a co-author of\u00a0<em>Problems in Contract Law: Cases and Materials<\/em>, the most widely used casebook in contracts law education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Silverstein earned a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.A. from Hamilton College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-faculty-excellence-award-for-teaching\"><strong>Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching<\/strong><br>Lindsey Gustafson, associate dean for academic affairs and Nadine Baum Professor of Law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gustafson has spent nearly three decades shaping the legal education experience for generations of students. Her teaching focuses on developing the analytical and professional skills students need to succeed, combining foundational legal instruction with innovative methods such as team-based learning, which emphasizes collaboration and practical application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to her classroom teaching, Gustafson serves as a co-director of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning and as a founding editor of the Journal of Law Teaching and Learning, mentoring faculty nationwide and advancing evidence-based approaches to legal education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gustafson earned a J.D. and a B.A. from Brigham Young University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-faculty-excellence-award-for-public-service\"><strong>Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service<\/strong><br>Anastasia Boles, professor of law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boles is recognized for her leadership in advancing access to justice and expanding opportunities for students to engage in public service. She co-founded the Bowen Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform and leads initiatives such as Court Observation Arkansas, a statewide project that trains students to observe court proceedings and gather data to better understand how the justice system operates across Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThrough my work with the Center, I am able to connect academic research and teaching to the real needs of communities,\u201d Boles said. \u201cWe aim to expand access to justice while giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with the legal system and serve the public.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her work also includes the Bowen Pathway Project, a pipeline program that prepares underrepresented students for law school through LSAT preparation and pipeline programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boles earned a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. from Stanford University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-faculty-excellence-award-for-social-justice\"><strong>Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice<\/strong><br>Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Penn is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy. She directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance in rural communities where access to legal services is limited, while giving students hands-on experience working with real clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAccess to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,\u201d Penn said. \u201cThe Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing complex legal challenges, including domestic violence and financial hardship, while providing students with practical training in advocacy and client-centered legal practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Penn earned a J.D. from Tulane University and a B.A. from Hendrix College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-faculty-excellence-award-for-rising-faculty\"><strong>Faculty Excellence Award for Rising Faculty<\/strong><br>Laura Bates, assistant professor of law, has been selected as the winner of the Faculty Excellence Award for Rising Faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bates is recognized for her contributions to legal education, scholarship, and service during her early years on the faculty. She teaches Research, Writing, and Analysis and Law and Literature, emphasizing practical assignments, one-on-one mentoring, and the development of strong legal writing and critical thinking skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTeaching and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my work,\u201d Bates said. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to help students build the skills, confidence, and judgment they need to successfully enter the legal profession, as well as to challenge them to think critically about the law and engage in thoughtful discussions of what the law should be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her scholarship focuses on parental leave laws, and she is active in academic and community service, including leadership with the American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bates earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.A. from the University of Arkansas, and a B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law<\/strong><br>Located in Arkansas\u2019s 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\u2019s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LITTLE ROCK, Ark. \u2014&nbsp;Five faculty members from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law have been selected as recipients of the university\u2019s 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards, recognizing <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/04\/01\/2026-faculty-excellence-awards\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Bowen Law Faculty Recognized with 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":42713,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-42709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bowen Law Faculty Recognized with 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards - William H. Bowen School of Law - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Five Bowen Law faculty members have been named 2026 Faculty Excellence Award winners and will be honored April 2 for their impact in research, teaching, social justice, and public service.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/04\/01\/2026-faculty-excellence-awards\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bowen Law Faculty Recognized with 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Five Bowen Law faculty members have been named 2026 Faculty Excellence Award winners and will be honored April 2 for their impact in research, teaching, social justice, and public service.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/04\/01\/2026-faculty-excellence-awards\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"William H. 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Many clients face delays that stretch for months or longer, often becoming discouraged as their cases move slowly through federal systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through regular client interviews and status updates, Madalyn has learned that effective advocacy begins with clear communication and steady support. While the work often involves detailed paperwork and procedural navigation, she says the most meaningful moments come from the relationships built along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt is easy to get lost in the paperwork,\u201d she said. \u201cBut the difference you make is not always on the page. Clients are grateful to have someone walking alongside them through the process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The experience has sharpened her professional skills while reinforcing her sense of purpose. By fostering trust and maintaining open dialogue, she has strengthened a core competency that will serve her across every area of practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her time in the clinic has also clarified the kind of lawyer she hopes to become: one committed to creating positive change in the lives of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Bowen Law, clinics, externships and practicums are the capstone of how we prepare practice-ready lawyers. For Madalyn, that preparation has meant stepping into real advocacy, real responsibility and real impact before graduation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Madalyn Dowell 3L and Veterans Legal Services Clinic Student \u201cFostering trust and collaborating with clients is a universal skill in all facets of law, and it\u2019s one I will carry <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/02\/25\/student-spotlight-madalyn-dowell\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Student Spotlight: Madalyn Dowell<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":42516,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[140,98,15],"tags":[9607,9608,9536],"class_list":["post-42515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clinic-news","category-announcements","category-values","tag-student-feature","tag-student-success","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Student Spotlight: Madalyn Dowell - William H. 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Bowen School of Law will host the 2026 Arnold Lecture and Symposium: <em>The Reach and Limits of Executive Power<\/em>, on\u00a0Tuesday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The event will begin with check-in and opening reception at 5 p.m., followed by a welcome and keynote conversation at 5:30 p.m. featuring two of the most distinguished constitutional scholars in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s lecture brings together Professor John Yoo of the University of California at Berkeley and Professor Vikram Amar of the University of California, Davis, for an in-depth discussion on the scope of executive authority in the American legal system. Both are widely published legal thinkers whose perspectives offer valuable insights into the evolving balance of powers between the executive branch, Congress and the courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis lecture provides a timely forum for informed discussion on the constitutional boundaries of executive power,\u201d&nbsp;said Colin Crawford, dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law.&nbsp;\u201cBy hosting legal scholars with contrasting ideological and political perspectives, we aim to foster thoughtful dialogue that reflects Bowen\u2019s commitment to public service, professionalism and legal understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-speakers\">About the Speakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>John Yoo<\/strong>&nbsp;is the Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is also a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin\u2019s School of Civic Leadership and a senior fellow at its Civitas Institute. A former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Yoo served in the U.S. Department of Justice on 9\/11 and has worked in all three branches of government. He has authored more than 100 academic articles and numerous books and is a frequent contributor to major national publications such as the <em>Wall Street Journal, New York Times, <\/em>and the <em>Washington Post<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vikram Amar<\/strong>&nbsp;is the Daniel J. Dykstra Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law. He previously served as dean of the University of Illinois College of Law and has held faculty positions at Berkeley, UCLA, and Northwestern, among others. Amar clerked for Justice Harry A. Blackmun of the U.S. Supreme Court and is a widely cited scholar in constitutional law, federal courts and civil procedure. He is a contributing columnist for Justia and SCOTUSblog, and a co-author of leading legal treatises and casebooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-arnold-lecture\">About the Arnold Lecture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Arnold Lecture series, an occasional event hosted by the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, honors the late Judge Richard Arnold and Judge Morris \u201cBuzz\u201d Arnold, distinguished Arkansas jurists appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In past years, the Arnold Lecture has welcomed U.S. Supreme Court justices and other celebrated legal scholars to Arkansas to examine issues central to the rule of law and democratic governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve your seat at <a href=\"https:\/\/arnoldlectureandsymposium.rsvpify.com\">https:\/\/arnoldlectureandsymposium.rsvpify.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will host the 2026 Arnold Lecture and Symposium: The Reach and Limits of Executive Power, on\u00a0Tuesday, March 10, from 5 <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/02\/10\/arnold-lecture-2026\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":42275,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[100,10],"tags":[134,9536],"class_list":["post-42274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bowen-press","category-news","tag-bowen-school-of-law","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power - William H. 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Bowen School of Law and a two-year teaching assistant in Research, Writing, and Analysis. Known for her thoughtful communication and steady encouragement, she has supported fellow students through challenging assignments by offering practical feedback and building their confidence one step at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During her 1L year, Fouz Abu-Obeid found herself drawn to the challenge of legal writing. She enjoyed breaking down complex research tasks and developing her skills in structure and clarity. But it wasn\u2019t just the content that resonated \u2014 it was the chance to help others succeed. After regularly walking through assignments with her peers, she realized she loved the teaching side too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a two-year RWA teaching assistant, Fouz has met regularly with students navigating everything from predictive memos to appellate briefs. One student, facing difficulty with a major writing assignment, asked for help \u2014 and Fouz responded with a series of weekly meetings that turned writing into a manageable, confidence-building process. \u201cMeeting once isn\u2019t always enough,\u201d she said. \u201cFor some students, consistent and individualized support makes a bigger difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching has also deepened her own skills. \u201cWhen I help someone work through an argument or organize a brief, I have to explain why something works, and that\u2019s made me more intentional about my own writing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, Fouz plans to continue building her legal writing skills in a career focused on contract drafting, rulemaking, legislative editing, or compliance. She also hopes to mentor law students and, one day, return to the classroom to teach RWA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fouz Abu-Obeid 3L and two-year RWA Teaching Assistant \u201cThat moment when something finally clicks for someone else \u2014 that\u2019s why I love being a TA.\u201d Fouz Abu-Obeid is a third-year <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/01\/30\/student-spotlight-fouz-abu-obeid\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Student Spotlight: Fouz Abu-Obeid<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":42523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[98,15],"tags":[9607,9608],"class_list":["post-42116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-announcements","category-values","tag-student-feature","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Student Spotlight: Fouz Abu-Obeid - William H. 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Bowen School of Law honored its Fall 2025 Juris Doctor graduates during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Dec. 12, in the school\u2019s Friday Courtroom. The event marked a milestone for the graduates, their families, and the Bowen community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dean Colin Crawford opened the ceremony by reflecting on the perseverance shown by the graduating class. Many had completed their degrees through Bowen\u2019s part-time evening program while balancing full-time jobs and other responsibilities, a commitment Crawford described as \u201cvery special\u201d to Bowen\u2019s faculty and staff. \u201cMost of these students have been laboring at this for at least four years while also holding a full-time job,\u201d he said<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge Wendy Scholtens Wood of the Arkansas Court of Appeals delivered the keynote address. A 1996 Bowen alumna and accomplished attorney, Judge Wood offered graduates heartfelt advice rooted in both personal experience and the collective wisdom of her peers. In preparing her remarks, she consulted ten of her former classmates, now serving across sectors including public defense, nonprofit leadership, the judiciary, and private practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her classmates included a federal magistrate judge, a venture capitalist, a nonprofit executive director, and attorneys in government and private roles. Wood emphasized civility as essential in Arkansas\u2019s close-knit legal community, urged graduates to seek mentors and stay curious, and reminded them to prioritize personal well-being alongside professional achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs you begin your legal careers, I hope the advice from my class to yours serves you well,\u201d she said. \u201cPlay the long game. Ask for help. Find mentors. And don\u2019t be so focused on the pursuit of success that you sacrifice your health or your family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Special guests at the ceremony included Chief Judge Phyllis M. Jones \u201997 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, who was joined by her judicial clerk, Louis Houser \u201925; and Paul Wood \u201996, husband of keynote speaker Judge Wendy Wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A reception followed the ceremony in the Law Library. Graduates also participated in UA Little Rock\u2019s university-wide commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fall 2025 Bowen School of Law Graduates<br><em>Juris Doctor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Samuel Patrick Bell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kristen Mary Corley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Christina Marie Doncell, <em>magna cum laude<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>James Daniel French II<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sonora Faye Gillespie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>James Thomas Herrod<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sarah Khatib<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elizabeth Jayne Kimble<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>April Rene Muhammad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natalie Christine Rachel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kirsten Richey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Johndrea Earlisha Tatum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verenice Perez Taylor, <em>summa cum laude<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mark Steven Young<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The ceremony reflected Bowen\u2019s mission to prepare students for meaningful legal careers grounded in public service, professionalism, and access to justice. As these graduates step into their legal careers, they carry forward that mission into courtrooms and communities across Arkansas and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LITTLE ROCK, Ark. \u2014 The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law honored its Fall 2025 Juris Doctor graduates during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Dec. 12, in <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2026\/01\/07\/fall-2025-hooding-ceremony\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":41608,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[100],"tags":[134,9550,9608,9536],"class_list":["post-41605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bowen-press","tag-bowen-school-of-law","tag-distinguished-alumni","tag-student-success","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge - William H. 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Bowen School of Law has been named one of the nation\u2019s top law schools for public service in government by <em>National Jurist<\/em> for the 2025\u201326 academic year, ranking #8 nationally for preparing students for careers in government legal service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ranking, published in the Fall 2025 issue of <em>preLaw<\/em> Magazine, evaluates law schools on three primary factors: job placement in public service roles, government-focused curricula, and student loan affordability. Bowen Law stood out for its high placement in public sector roles and its robust experiential offerings rooted in service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMany of our students arrive at Bowen with a strong interest in public service, and the law school provides the opportunities to put that commitment into practice,\u201d said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. \u201cThrough close engagement with Arkansas\u2019s legal system, our students gain the experience and judgment to step into government roles where they can serve the state and its people with distinction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bowen\u2019s location in the heart of Arkansas\u2019s capital city provides students with direct access to hands-on opportunities in state agencies, courts, and nonprofit legal organizations. Through the Public Service Externship Program, students earn academic credit while working alongside judges on the Arkansas Supreme Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, as well as attorneys at agencies such as the ACLU of Arkansas, the Department of Energy &amp; Environment, and Disability Rights Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These placements are supported by a seminar course led by Associate Dean Kelly Terry, giving students the chance to reflect on their fieldwork and develop deeper professional skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bowen\u2019s recognition in the government category follows multiple national rankings for public service in recent years, including being named a <em>Top Public Service School<\/em> by <em>preLaw Magazine<\/em> in 2016-17, 2021\u201322, and 2022-23, and a <em>Best Public Interest Law School<\/em> in 2018 and 2023\u201324. The school\u2019s consistent national visibility reflects its core commitment to public service, access to justice, and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of its mission, the law school continues to offer a high-quality, affordable legal education that prepares graduates to serve the people of Arkansas and beyond through careers in government, advocacy, and community leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law<\/strong><br>Located in Arkansas\u2019s capital city, the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state\u2019s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen prepares graduates to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law has been named one of the nation\u2019s top law schools for public service in government by National Jurist for the <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2025\/12\/18\/top-law-school-public-service-government\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law Ranked a Top School for Public Service in Government<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":41516,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law Ranked a Top School for Public Service in Government - William H. 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But a part-time job in television sparked what became a two-decade career behind the scenes in local news. When the industry began to shift, and the pandemic forced a personal reckoning, Young returned to a question he had shelved years earlier: What kind of impact did he want to make? That question led him to the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, where he found the structure and support he needed to pursue something more. He is now building a second career shaped by purpose and momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving television was not just a career decision. It meant stepping away from a path he had spent decades building in Memphis. Returning home to Nashville, Arkansas, Young moved in with his parents to regroup and prepare for the LSAT as his first step toward law school. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t do it then, in my early 40s, I never would,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was time to figure out how I could help people and help Arkansas in a more lasting way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young had always been self-reliant. Even while preparing for law school, he worked full time at a Little Rock television station. When it came time to apply, the decision was easy. Bowen offered the flexibility and support he needed through its part-time evening program, along with proximity to family and access to Arkansas\u2019s legal and political center. \u201cIt was designed for working adults like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI could still pay my bills, still support myself, and get the education I had put off for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting law school in his 40s was not easy. Young had not been in a classroom in two decades, and the adjustment was steep. \u201cI didn\u2019t do very well my first two semesters,\u201d he said. Learning how law school worked \u2014 how professors taught, how exams were written, how answers were expected \u2014 took time. But with guidance from faculty and steady support from his classmates, he began to find his footing. Each semester, his confidence grew. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t understand something, I could go to a professor and ask. That made a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout law school, Young balanced a heavy workload. At any given time, he held at least three jobs, including his long-standing role as a Broadcast Technical Director for the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers. He made regular trips to Memphis for games while also launching a mobile notary service in Central Arkansas. Over the years, he worked for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, clerked at the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and joined the Municipal League as an inquiry clerk. \u201cI stayed busy, but I always found a way to make it work,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was at the Arkansas Municipal League that Young found a sense of clarity. As an inquiry clerk, he fielded questions from mayors, city attorneys and council members across the state, helping them navigate legal questions and access resources. For someone who grew up in a small town and saw firsthand the challenges rural communities face, the work felt deeply personal. \u201cSmall towns are the backbone of Arkansas,\u201d he said. \u201cGetting to support them, even in small ways, has been incredibly rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Young gained momentum, law school became more than just a professional turning point. It was a place of connection and growth. \u201cIt\u2019s harder to make good friends as you get older,\u201d he said. \u201cBut with our part-time class, we bonded almost immediately.\u201d He found support in study groups and peer conversations, especially during challenging courses. Each semester, he improved, not just in grades but in confidence. One of his favorite spots on campus was the Bowen Mart, where he often spent time with Harley Anderson-Croot, a close friend and fellow student who worked behind the counter. He also served as a student senator and Phi Alpha Delta fundraising chair, finding ways to represent and advocate for other part-time students like him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young graduates from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law this weekend, completing his degree in just three and a half years. He took courses every summer and maximized his course load each semester to get ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking forward, Young is keeping his options open. He recently completed the Mediation Clinic and will soon be certified as a mediator in Arkansas. He continues to run his notary business and holds a real estate license, alongside years of media and legal experience. \u201cI will always have a backup plan,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd a backup to that backup plan.\u201d Whether he continues in municipal law or takes another path, Young is prepared and grounded in a commitment to help Arkansas communities thrive. For other working professionals considering law school later in life, his advice is simple: \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to try it. You can always figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Twenty-two years ago, Mark Young graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in political science and a plan to attend law school. But a part-time job in television <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2025\/12\/12\/mark-young-pivot-to-law\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  A Career Reimagined: Mark Young\u2019s Pivot from Broadcasting to Law<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":41475,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,2000],"tags":[134,9607,9608,9536],"class_list":["post-41473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-part-time-stories","tag-bowen-school-of-law","tag-student-feature","tag-student-success","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Career Reimagined: Mark Young\u2019s Pivot from Broadcasting to Law - William H. 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She had poured years into caregiving and motherhood, and for the first time in a long time, the path ahead was her own to choose. That clarity led her back to a dream she first spoke aloud on a dusty Mississippi road as a young girl, when she and her sister imagined futures bigger than their small, segregated town seemed to allow. Muhammad wanted to be a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time, Muhammad was already enrolled in a Ph.D. program in business leadership \u2014 but the work felt hollow. The more she studied, the more she realized it wasn\u2019t what she was meant to do. What pulled at her instead was a deeper need she couldn\u2019t ignore: the persistent gap between people in crisis and the legal help they needed. She had grown up in a place where families struggled in silence, and now she saw how many others still faced those same barriers. If she was going to start over, she wanted it to matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muhammad\u2019s path to law school began with Bowen\u2019s LEAP program, a selective summer initiative that gives high-potential students a chance to prove they are ready for the demands of legal education. She was one of just four students to matriculate that year. \u201cLEAP was harder than any semester of law school,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was daily classwork, new material, and it came fast. You couldn\u2019t slack, and I\u2019m thankful for that because it prepared me for what was to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muhammad made that commitment from Pine Bluff, driving nearly two hours each day to attend classes and study at Bowen. A mother of eight, she balanced coursework with caregiving and a full household, often spending eight to ten hours a day in her carrel on campus. Her youngest son, Ausar, a high school student in Little Rock, spent countless hours with her at the law school, reading in the library or waiting outside classrooms. She began in the part-time program and later transitioned to full time, taking on heavy course loads without slowing down. She completed her degree in just three and a half years, a reflection of her focus, discipline and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Bowen, Muhammad found more than academic rigor. She found mentors who saw her potential and helped shape her into a practicing advocate. As a Rule XV certified student, she represented real clients in the Delta Divorce Clinic, arguing their cases in court under the supervision of Professor Suzanne Penn. \u201cI was so nervous, but when the judge said I did a good job, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be,\u201d she said. She also completed an externship with Chief Judge Phyllis Jones of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, gaining insight into how judges interpret complex legal issues. Faculty members like Danna Young and Dean Rejena Grotjohn were never far when Muhammad had questions or needed encouragement. Their couches, as she fondly described them, were places to learn and be heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While her professors helped shape her as a lawyer, Muhammad\u2019s greatest champions were often behind the scenes. A few years ago, she remarried, and her husband, Bilal Muhammad, supported her every step of the way, from cooking and cleaning to giving her space to study. Her sisters, Carolyn and Lydia, were constant encouragers, sending shirts with messages like \u201cJ.D. Loading\u201d and reminding her that she could do anything she set her mind to. Muhammad also carried the quiet motivation of her mother, who spent her career cooking in a hospital cafeteria but once confided that she had always dreamed of being a nurse. That revelation stayed with Muhammad. \u201cI have one life,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to do what I was born to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This weekend, Muhammad will graduate from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and begin a prestigious clerkship in the chambers of Chief Judge Jones of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, where she once served as a student extern. The courtroom is no longer a dream. It is where she belongs, where purpose meets preparation, and where she is ready to lead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the quiet months after her husband\u2019s death, April Muhammad found herself searching for direction. She had poured years into caregiving and motherhood, and for the first time in a <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2025\/12\/11\/april-muhammad-grief-to-law\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  A Calling Reclaimed: April Muhammad\u2019s Path from Grief to the Law<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":41461,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,98],"tags":[134,9607,9608,9536],"class_list":["post-41460","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-announcements","tag-bowen-school-of-law","tag-student-feature","tag-student-success","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Calling Reclaimed: April Muhammad\u2019s Path from Grief to the Law - William H. 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Bowen School of Law brought together more than 300 alumni, students, and community members on Friday, Nov. 14, to honor four remarkable individuals whose careers reflect Bowen\u2019s mission of public service, professionalism, and access to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Held at the Little Rock Marriott, the annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon raised critical funds for student scholarships and offered a moment to celebrate the lasting impact of Bowen\u2019s legal education \u2014 in courtrooms, communities, and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among this year\u2019s honorees were <strong>Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge \u201901<\/strong>, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. She shared personal stories from her time at Bowen, tracing her path to becoming the first woman elected as both Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor in Arkansas. \u201cThe law is a powerful tool,\u201d she said. \u201cUse it wisely, boldly, and to lift others up. Lead with integrity and serve with tenacity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Brigadier General John Payne (Ret.) \u201997<\/strong>, recipient of the Outstanding Public Service Award, spoke of his dual commitment to military service and civil litigation. He credited Bowen\u2019s night program with making that balance possible. \u201cWithout a night program,\u201d he said, \u201cI most definitely wouldn\u2019t be standing here today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Edith Chavez De Oseguera \u201920<\/strong>, who accepted the Emerging Leader Award, delivered a moving speech about her journey as an immigrant, mother, and now advocate for underserved Arkansans. \u201cNo story, no matter where it begins, is ever too small to change the world,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Byron M. Eiseman, Jr.<\/strong>, a longtime adjunct professor and mentor, was honored with the Friend of Bowen Award. He reflected on five decades of teaching and the legacy of Dean Bill Bowen. \u201cWhen you think about teaching,\u201d he said, \u201cwhat you&#8217;re hoping is that those in your class will bear fruit in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dean Colin Crawford<\/strong> opened the program by acknowledging a year of change \u2014 and the strength of the Bowen community. \u201cBowen\u2019s strength is built on the backs of all of you,\u201d he told attendees. \u201cYour continued involvement as mentors, advocates, and champions is absolutely central to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event also featured a heartfelt address from <strong>Aziza Taki<\/strong>, a first-year student and scholarship recipient. A first-generation student from small-town Arkansas, Taki shared how her experience at Bowen has already shaped her confidence and sense of purpose. She credited the community\u2019s support for making that possible: \u201cYour generosity doesn\u2019t just open doors,\u201d she said. \u201cIt builds bridges for people like me to cross into a future we once thought was out of reach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Proceeds from the luncheon support Bowen student scholarships \u2014 helping ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of someone building a career in law and public service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law<\/strong><br>Located in Arkansas\u2019s capital city, the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state\u2019s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen prepares graduates to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LITTLE ROCK (Nov. 19, 2025) \u2014 The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law brought together more than 300 alumni, students, and community members on Friday, Nov. 14, <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2025\/11\/19\/distinguished-alumni-luncheon-2025-2\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Bowen Law Celebrates Alumni Impact and Student Opportunity<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":41336,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,10],"tags":[8890,134,9550],"class_list":["post-41335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-news","tag-alumni","tag-bowen-school-of-law","tag-distinguished-alumni"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bowen Law Celebrates Alumni Impact and Student Opportunity - William H. 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Bowen School of Law earned national recognition last week after finishing as runner-up at the 8th Annual MLK National Civil Rights Mock Trial Competition, hosted by UC Davis School of Law. The team advanced to the final round after defeating top-tier law schools in a series of competitive mock trial rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bowen team \u2014 composed of Jules Lemmon (3L), Lindsey Norman (3L), Nayeli Ortiz (2L), and Aubrey Matheson (2L) \u2014 was coached by Professor Pat Harris. Lemmon and Ortiz served as plaintiff\u2019s counsel, while Norman and Matheson represented the defense. Together, they faced off against 14 law schools and 112 law students over the course of the three-day competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is a big deal for Bowen,\u201d said Harris. \u201cWe\u2019ve reached the semifinals before, but this was our first time advancing to the final round. These students put in countless hours \u2014 early mornings, late nights, weekends \u2014 and it showed. Their strength is their honor, integrity, and work ethic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The team opened the competition with a win over the University of Virginia, followed by back-to-back victories against Texas A&amp;M and Brooklyn Law School. In the semifinals, they defeated California Western School of Law with a unanimous 3-0 judges\u2019 decision before facing the University of Texas in the final round. Bowen ultimately earned runner-up, losing by just nine points in a 414-405 final score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Norman, who served as defense counsel, called the experience \u201ctransformative.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAfter the competition, the presiding judge who wrote the case we tried visited with all of us. He asked about our plans. I told him I plan to work in the transactional world after getting an LLM in tax. He looked at me and said, \u2018That sounds great, but please don\u2019t waste the skill you have in the courtroom.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI will always be so grateful to Pat for believing in my ability to compete on this team,\u201d Norman added. \u201cI am walking away from this experience feeling confident to step into the courtroom and try a case if given the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lemmon, who plans to serve as a Marine Corps judge advocate, said the experience reinforced her passion for litigation. \u201cThe work isn\u2019t easy but it\u2019s absolutely worth it. We competed against both public and private schools with much higher tuition, and we proved that the legal training we receive at Bowen is every bit as strong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The team\u2019s success reflects Bowen\u2019s commitment to preparing students for practice-ready legal careers with purpose, with support, and with momentum. Through personal mentorship, real-world advocacy, and direct experience in national competitions like this one, Bowen students graduate ready to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A student team from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law earned national recognition last week after finishing as runner-up at the 8th Annual MLK National Civil <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/law\/2025\/11\/06\/mock-trial-national-runner-up\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Bowen Law Mock Trial Team Earns Runner-Up at National Civil Rights Competition<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":774,"featured_media":41294,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[98],"tags":[9608,9536],"class_list":["post-41293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-announcements","tag-student-success","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bowen Law Mock Trial Team Earns Runner-Up at National Civil Rights Competition - William H. 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