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

Former Ohio Supreme Court Justices Michael P. Donnelly ’91 and Melody J. Stewart ’88 Appointed Leaders-In-Residence

Two former Ohio Supreme Court Justices, both of whom are Cleveland State University College of Law graduates and members of the school’s Hall of Fame, Michael P. Donnelly ’91 and Melody J. Stewart ’88, have been appointed as the law school latest Leaders-in-Residence.

Monday Morning Message 4.14.25 Charting New Paths

“Returning to the Law School for its 10th Cybersecurity & Privacy Conference, I could only marvel at the depth and breadth of not only the conference program but also the academic programs you have developed and offer in this burgeoning interdisciplinary field.  . . . Over and over while at the conference, general counsels, privacy attorneys and staff, chief information officers, chief information security officers, and current law students buttonholed me to applaud the program and what it has been giving to them…CSU Law has stressed public service and leadership as foundational values in its programs and as character/professional traits for its graduates.