Monday Morning Message 6.9.25 A Bittersweet Moment.....My Final Morning Message

“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start….” ―J.B. Priestley

This morning is my final Monday Morning Message as Dean of Cleveland State University College of Law.

It’s a bittersweet moment because I’ll be stepping down as Dean in a few weeks on June 30 to become the 10th President of Baldwin Wallace University. While I’m very excited about this rare opportunity to lead such an iconic university, I will always cherish my time serving this iconic law school. Serving CSU Law the past 9 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Ironic Twist of History

Monday Morning Message 6.2.25 You Graduate as Lawyer-Leaders

“I hope you all work with and are mentored by lawyer-leaders who embody the highest ideals of our profession….But you will also encounter others who have used the law to bend truth, exploit technicalities, and abandon core Constitutional principles like due process in pursuit of privilege, position, and power. Recognize them for what they are—and make sure you choose a different path – protect your reputation for that is what others will see as the outward manifestation of your character. You will never have to apologize for being the lawyer-leader whose presence strengthens the rule of law, whose counsel uplifts justice, and whose character inspires trust.

CSULAA Alumni of The Year Recipient Profile: Judge Michelle J. Sheehan ’93

Cleveland State University Law Alumni Association Alumni of the Year recipient the Honorable Michelle J. Sheehan’s ’93 connections to CSU|LAW have always run deep. A first-generation college and law student, the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge attributes much of her success to CSU|LAW for providing an opportunity that was not otherwise available to her blue-collar working-class family.

CSULAA Alumni of The Year Recipient Profile: Stacey L. McKinley ’97

Cleveland State University Law Alumni Association Alumni of the Year recipient Stacey L. McKinley ’97 did not have a traditional path to law school. Stacey has used her law degree in the non-traditional manner as well, to forge an accomplished career of charitable gift planning as Director of Gift Planning in the Cleveland Clinic’s Philanthropy Institute.  

Stacey began her career working in broadcast journalism after her undergraduate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University. Her on air credits included five years as co-host of “Good Morning, Kentucky” in Lexington, Kentucky. But during college and beyond, attending law school was in the back of her mind.

Monday Morning Message 5.19.25 New Co-Interim Deans!

"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day."   The Dalai Lama

I am very pleased to share that earlier this week CSU President Laura Bloomberg and Provost Nigamanth Sridhar announced that Associate Dean Carolyn Broering-Jacobs and Associate Dean Brian Ray have been appointed Co-Interim CSU Law Deans, effective July 1, 2025 (My last day as Dean is June 30.) Carolyn and Brian will serve as Co-Interim Deans for one year, and a national search for a new Dean will commence in fall 2025.

New College of Law Co-Interim Deans

To our campus community,

I am thrilled to announce that Professor Carolyn Broering-Jacobs and Professor Brian Ray will serve as Co-Interim Deans of the College of Law, bringing decades of combined experience, leadership, and innovation to the role.
    

Monday Morning Message 5.12.25 Special Edition: Student Focus

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -  Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

This Special Edition of the Monday Morning Message is called CSU Law Student Focus. It is intended to highlight and celebrate the individual and group accomplishments of our very talented CSU Law students. The contents are based entirely on submissions by students.

Team Accomplishments

Mock Trial Team

Monday Morning Message 5.5.25 Pressure is a Privilege

“Pressure is a privilege - it only comes to those who earn it.” – Billie Jean King

My message this morning is to our students.

Today is the second day of final exams. Law Day was May 1.

If you’re looking for inspiration, you need look no further than what Law Day stands for. Ultimately, it’s what a legal education is all about.

On Law Day, we celebrate the rule of law, and rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of a more perfect Union. But the rule of law is not guaranteed. It’s fragile and demands our constant effort and vigilance.

So my advice to you as you prepare for final exams is to remember why you chose this path.

Monday Morning Message 4.28.25 Take Your Own Measurements

“CSU Law is the best choice for students who want to be seen and treated as human beings instead of numbers, and respected in the legal community for the hard work and dedication to the practice of law that is fostered through mentorship and leadership opportunities.”  - 2024 Graduate

Monday Morning Message 4.21.25 Special Edition: Student Focus

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” – Gail Devers

This Special Edition of the Monday Morning Message is called CSU Law Student Focus. It is intended to highlight and celebrate the individual and group achievements of our very talented CSU Law students.

              Individual Student Accomplishments