News Archives - Page 93 of 138

Forbes includes Stetson University in list of best colleges in America

Forbes Magazine has again included Stetson University on its annual list of “America’s Best Colleges,” putting Stetson in the top 20 percent of all undergraduate institutions in the United States. The rankings of 650 schools are exclusively prepared for Forbes by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP), a Washington, D.C., think tank. To see the information online about Stetson University, go to http://www.forbes.com/colleges/stetson-university/.

This year’s rankings put Stetson at seventh in Florida, 91st in the South, 302nd among private colleges and universities, and 377th in the nation. The magazine highlights a variety of information about Stetson, in areas including academics, tuition and financial aid, athletics, admissions and student life.

Stetson is among six Atlantic Sun Conference institutions included this year. The others were Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University and the University of North Florida.

The Forbes rankings are based on five general categories: Post-Graduate success (30 percent), which evaluates alumni pay and prominence, Student Satisfaction (27.5 percent), which includes professor evaluations and freshman to sophomore year retention rates, Debt (17.5 percent), which penalizes schools for high student debt loads and default rates, Four-Year Graduation Rate (17.5 percent) and Competitive Awards (7.5 percent), which rewards schools whose students win prestigious scholarships and fellowships like the Rhodes, the Marshall and the Fulbright. In addition to the overall rankings, the Center for College Affordability and Productivity also prepares a “value” ranking which takes into account the overall cost of each school as relative to the quality of the education provided.

Media Contact:

Mary Anne Rogers

University Marketing

(386) 822-7215

[email protected]

Stetson University president honored as one of 10 Influential Women in Business

Dr. Wendy B. Libby, President of Stetson University

Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby has been selected one of Volusia/Flagler Business Report’s 2011 “Influential Women in Business.”

This is the sixth year the weekly business report has honored the area’s most outstanding women in business. Women business owners and executives were nominated by readers and staff of the publication, which is affiliated with the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Selections were made by a panel of employees at the newspaper, based on the nominees’ professional accomplishments and leadership roles in their community and/or industry.

Dr. Libby and the nine other honorees for 2011 were profiled in the business report’s July 25 issue.

The story featuring Libby tells how she began her career and why she selected a career in higher education – as opposed to becoming a doctor. It describes the way she was recruited to become Stetson’s president, a post she’s held for two years, and outlines her goals for the university. Those include starting a football program at Stetson (first season will be fall 2013) and conducting a fundraising campaign for scholarships and endowed professorships.

Other 2011 honorees include: Dale Arrington, DeLand assistant city manager; Doreen Courtheyn, president and CEO of the Page Insurance Agency in DeLand; Jayne Fifer, president and CEOof the Volusia Manufacturers Association; Evelyn Fine, president of Mid-Florida Marketing and Research in Daytona Beach; Amy LaBosco-Hall, district counseling director for Volusia County Schools; Alexis Lenssen, branch manager/vice president of investments/certified financial planner of Raymond James Financial in Daytona Beach; Dr. Wendy Myers, CEO of Florida Health Care Plans in Holly Hill; Sam Perkovich, owner/broker of ParkSide Realty Group in Flagler Beach; and Cindy Ritz, owner of WMRitzi & Co. Jewelers in Daytona Beach.

Media Contact:

Cindi Brownfield

University Marketing

(386) 822-7214

[email protected]

Stetson University completes inaugural Pre-Law Institute

Stetson University completed its first six-week Pre-Law Institute on July 15, educating undergraduate college students for law school and a career in the legal field.

Students enrolled in the unique program spent four weeks taking a critical thinking course on Stetson’s DeLand, Fla., campus, and two weeks at the Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport in an immersion program designed to introduce them to the law school experience and the practice of law.

The Gulfport program included two classes: Introduction to the Law, Legal Analysis, and Legal Writing; and American Law in Focus. Students also had the opportunity to interact with lawyers, professors and law students.

Those who participated in the program believe it gives them an advantage over other students preparing for law school. “This program provided opportunities that students would not otherwise have,” said Jessica Ford, Stetson University undergraduate student. “It provided us with the skills and connections we normally might not have been able to get before coming to law school.”

Jamal Barrington Smith, Stetson University undergraduate student, said he was amazed at how he evolved not only as a student, but as a person. “The Pre-Law Institute was more than just taking courses and learning how to read and write like a law student,” he said. “It was an experience—not just an academic experience, but a life experience. Just seeing myself evolve over those six weeks was amazing.”

To be accepted into the Stetson University Pre-Law Institute, undergraduate college students should have at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed at least two full years of university study.

For more information, visit: Stetson University Summer Pre-Law Institute.

Stetson University and National Criminal Defense Bar Launch White Collar Criminal Defense College

Stetson University College of Law and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) are launching the NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College at Stetson, the first program of its kind. The first session of this groundbreaking training for criminal defense lawyers is slated for early 2012. Practitioners in the field of white collar criminal defense will gain key advocacy skills and learn substantive white collar law during this multi-day “boot camp” program for lawyers at Stetson University College of Law.

Topics will likely include corporate investigations; representation of top management, middle management and other employees; grand jury investigation as it relates to corporate documents; the handling of parallel proceedings, such as agency investigations with the SEC or IRS; and sentencing issues unique to white collar defendants.

“The marriage of the leading advocacy law school in the country with the nation’s leading criminal defense organization is a unique way to ensure that attorneys have the opportunity to enhance their white collar advocacy skills and also increase their knowledge of substantive white collar law,” said Ellen S. Podgor, the Gary R. Trombley Family White Collar Crime Research Professor at Stetson Law, who will chair the White Collar Criminal Defense College.

“This partnership with Stetson is a natural extension of NACDL’s educational programs for attorneys from all practice settings who are looking for top-notch legal training from the nation’s preeminent criminal defense lawyers,” explained NACDL Executive Director Norman L. Reimer.

Among the nation’s top white collar practitioners serving on the advisory board of the NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College at Stetson are NACDL’s Chair of its CLE Institute William R. Gallagher of Arenstein & Gallagher; Shana-Tara Regon, director of White Collar Crime Policy for NACDL; and Larry Thompson, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary for PepsiCo. Other members of the advisory board and those teaching in the program will be announced soon.

NACDL is the preeminent organization in the U.S. advancing the mission of the nation’s criminal defense lawyers to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or other misconduct. In recent years, NACDL’s white collar initiatives have assisted in furthering justice in areas such as discovery and grand jury reform, attorney-client privilege, overcriminalization and sentencing.

Stetson Law is Florida’s first law school and has produced outstanding lawyers, judges and other professionals since it was founded in 1900. Stetson strongly emphasizes skills training and professionalism as part of its curriculum. Since 1995, Stetson has continuously ranked among the top four programs in the nation for trial advocacy.

For more information about the White Collar Criminal Defense College, contact Professor Ellen Podgor at [email protected] or 727-562-7348.

Media Contacts:
Brandi Palmer
Stetson Law Communications
727-562-7381
[email protected]

or

Ivan J. Dominguez
NACDL Communications
202-872-8600 ext. 262
[email protected]

First female Lord Advocate of Scotland visits Stetson

Angiolini_Elish_talk_TN — Former Lord Advocate of Scotland Elish Angiolini talks with students at Stetson Law.

This summer, the first female lord advocate of Scotland lectured at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla.

Scotland’s former lord advocate, Elish Angiolini, co-taught a summer course with Stetson Law professor and Center for Excellence in Advocacy Director Charles Rose on Comparative Criminal Justice Systems: Scottish, Civil, and Common Law.

Angiolini talked with students about the history of Scottish law, the development of Scotland’s unique legal system and the impact of the global war on terror on criminal justice in the UK. She also discussed the experience of serving as the senior law officer and first female lord advocate of Scotland.

Stetson University College of Law dean search committee announced

A 14-member committee comprised of members of the Stetson University College of Law and University community has been appointed to begin a national search for a new law dean.

Stetson Provost Beth Paul is co-chairing this important committee with Professor of Law Michael Allen. The committee, which includes representation from the faculty, University trustees, College of Law overseers, alumni, staff and students, will recruit a permanent replacement for Darby Dickerson who is now dean of Texas Tech University School of Law. The members of the committee are:

Ellyn Angelotti, a part-time student at the College of Law and member of the Poynter faculty teaching Digital Trends and Social Media
Associate Dean for Academics and Professor of Law Kristen Adams (ex-officio)
S. Sammy Cacciatore Jr., Esq., JD ’66, BA ’66, Stetson University Board of Trustees, College of Law Board of Overseers
Eugene Huskey, Professor of Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences
Robert Huth, Vice President for Business and Chief Financial Officer
Associate Professor of Law Marco Jimenez
Joshua Magidson JD ’80, Stetson University Board of Trustees,College of Law Board of Overseers
Bernie McCabe JD ’72, BA ’69, College of Law Board of Overseers, State Attorney
Professor Rebecca Morgan, JD ’80, Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law and Director, Center for Excellence in Elder Law
Patricia Toups, Interim Director of College Relations
Professor of Legal Skills Stephanie Vaughan, JD ’91, Special Assistant to the Dean for Alumni & Development
Professor Darryl Wilson, Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund Professor of Law and Co-Director, Institute for Caribbean Law and Policy

Provost Paul noted the outpouring of nominations and offers of assistance from the College of Law community. “How fortunate to have such a rich community of ambassadors to attract the nation’s best talent to lead Stetson’s College of Law,” she said. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic leader ready to build upon existing strengths and realize an educational environment where students are not only successful in their legal careers, but lead lives and careers of significance.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the College of Law to build on its strengths, and I look forward to a successful national search,” said Royal Gardner, College of Law Interim Dean, Professor of Law and Director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy.

Contact:

Brandi Palmer

Office of Communications

727-562-7381

[email protected]

Cindi Brownfield

University Marketing

386-822-7214

[email protected]

Stetson Law professor speaks in Korea on worldwide growing elderly population

Professor Roberta Flowers presents in Korea on issues impacting the elderly. — Professor Roberta Flowers presented in Korea on issues impacting the elderly.

The world’s elderly population is increasing dramatically in size. Stetson University College of Law Professor Roberta Flowers, an expert in ethics and elder law practice, recently traveled to Korea to speak to officials in that country about how the law can be used to protect the elderly.

Professor Flowers presented “Challenges Faced by Elder Law Attorneys” at the International Conference on Social Status Changes of the Aged People and Ageism Reconsidered on June 24. She also spoke at the Seoul National University Law Institute on June 23.

The conference was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, and brought together sociologists, professors and lawyers from throughout the world to discuss the issues faced by many nations in light of the aging world population.

Topics included long-term care issues; the limits on human longevity; and stresses faced by elderly immigrants. Flowers discussed how U.S. elder law attorneys work with aging issues.

Although Asian countries have been historically known for protecting and honoring their elders, many conference presenters noted that in recent years the Asian cultures have seen a shift away from this traditional treatment of the elderly.

Flowers said that Korea and other Asian countries are dedicating significant research to the issues of aging and elderly.

“Korea is facing an unprecedented growth in its elder population. It is trying to develop new ways to care for the elderly,” said Flowers.

Stetson Law is home to the model elder-friendly Eleazer Courtroom, which Flowers helped spearhead, and the Journal of International Aging, Law & Policy.

Contact: Brandi Palmer
727-562-7381
[email protected]

Stetson Lawyers Association honors alumni and friends at Florida Bar Annual Convention

(L-R) James W. Martin, Judge Edward C. LaRose, John T. Berry, Benjamin H. Hill IV, Aleksandra I. Jagiella, Allen R. Samuels.

The Stetson Lawyers Association honored alumni and friends on June 22 in Kissimmee, Fla., during the Florida Bar Annual Convention.

Attorney General of Florida Pamela J. Bondi JD ’90 received the Distinguished Alumna Award for extraordinary service to Stetson Law and to the legal profession. Bondi, who became Attorney General in 2010, was a prosecutor for more than 18 years and successfully prosecuted numerous first-degree murder cases and two capital cases.

James W. Martin BS ’71, JD ’74 and John T. Berry JD ’76 received the Ben C. Willard Award for humanitarian achievements of distinction. Martin, who helped bring the Salvador Dalí Museum to St. Petersburg, is a former City of St. Petersburg councilman and Tampa Bay Regional Planning councilman, and an adjunct professor at Stetson Law. Berry, who served as assistant state attorney and member of the Florida Supreme Court Professionalism Commission, has written extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has guest-lectured as part of Stetson Law’s professionalism program.

Allen R. Samuels LLB ’56 received the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award for his generous contribution of time and gifts to the College of Law and alumni association. Samuels established the Carol R. Samuels Unsung Hero Student Leadership Award at Stetson in honor of his late wife.

Aleksandra I. Jagiella JD ’04, MBA ’04 and Benjamin H. Hill IV, JD ’97 received the Outstanding Alumni Representative Awards for dedication and service to the Stetson Lawyers Association. Jagiella dedicates significant time to coaching Moot Court and Alternative Dispute Resolution teams and helped inspire the Edward D. Foreman Most Distinguished Student Award at Stetson Law. Hill is a former president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association who has dedicated considerable time to Stetson Law.

Judge Edward C. LaRose received the Distinguished Service Award for significant, meritorious and continuing contributions benefiting the College of Law. Judge LaRose, who was appointed to the Second District Court of Appeal in February 2005, serves as an adjunct professor at Stetson Law.

Barbara Cowherd JD ’00 received the Stetson Lawyers Association President’s Award for service and dedication as president of the association during 2010-2011.

Clinton Paris JD ’00, MBA ’00 is the new SLA president. The Stetson Lawyers Association has more than 9,000 dedicated members across the country and around the world.

Contact: Brandi Palmer
727-562-7381
[email protected]

Six trustees have been appointed to Stetson University’s Board of Trustees

Six trustees have been appointed to Stetson University’s Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2011. Each trustee is appointed to a three-year term.

New trustee and Stetson alumna Betty Drees Johnson, professor and director of the duPont-Ball Library on Stetson’s DeLand campus, will retire on Sept. 1 after 50 years at the university. Rising through the ranks of several positions in the library, Johnson has developed and led fundraising efforts for the library resulting in more than $1.8 million, including several endowments. Johnson directed three renovation projects to maximize space usage in the building and increased research offerings through major additions of electronic collections. Also under her leadership, the library acquired from alumnus E. Clay Shaw a major research collection from his 13 terms in Congress, and from alumnus, former trustee, and former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, a major collection of political and Vietnam War memorabilia.

New trustee John D. Walda is president of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), headquartered in Washington, D.C. His career spans three decades in both public policy and law. Currently, he serves as chair of the Steering Committee for the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Education, as a director of the Indiana University Foundation and as a trustee for Carroll College.

M. Lee McGraw, vice president and trustee, Elizabeth B. McGraw Foundation, Inc., Osterville, Mass., is a returning member of Stetson’s Board of Trustees, having previously served from 1996-2004. The granddaughter of Donald C. McGraw, former president and chairman of McGraw-Hill Inc., and Elizabeth B. McGraw, for whom the foundation is named, McGraw received Stetson’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993 for her contributions to the university and to her community.

New trustee Joe R. Cooper is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Big Lots, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. A CPA, Cooper’s career includes positions with KPMG Peat Marwick, The Limited Inc. and KinderCare Learning Centers. He started with Big Lots in 2000 as vice president of strategic planning and investor relations. Promoted to his current position in March 2010, he is responsible for treasury, tax, investor relations, loss prevention and risk management, as well as the reporting, planning, and control functions of the business. Cooper was named CFO of the Year: Public company honoree in September 2010 by the Business First publication in Columbus.

As newly elected chair of Stetson’s School of Music Board of Advisors, alumnus Gerald “Jerry” D. Kruhm, is a new ex-officio member of Stetson’s Board of Trustees. Before his retirement, Kruhm worked as a financial advisor licensed with Raymond James Financial Services in New Smyrna Beach. The former choral director of the New Smyrna Beach High School chorus, Kruhm worked for three different Florida school systems in a 36-year career as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for administrative services.

As newly elected chair of Stetson’s College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Board, alumnus Charles A. Wolfe is also a new ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. Wolfe is president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute, headquartered in Washington, D.C. This is the nation’s leading organization that identifies, trains and supports openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates, campaign staff and public officials. Wolfe has an extensive background in politics, issue advocacy and organizational development. He previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Legacy Foundation, which was created as a result of the 46-state settlement with the tobacco industry. Wolfe entered the public sector as an appointee of the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles. In addition to serving on the governor’s 1994 re-election campaign as operations manager, he served the governor for seven years in such capacities as director of external affairs, director of tobacco control and executive director of the Miami Financial Oversight Board.

Contact: Mary Anne Rogers

386-822-7215

[email protected]

Learn about part-time law school at Stetson

Stetson University College of Law is offering an information session in August for prospective students interested in earning their law degrees part-time.

The session in Gulfport will provide an overview of the process of applying to law school. Stetson Law enrolls new part-time students in the fall of every year.

Those interested in attending should RSVP for the session:

Aug. 24 in the Great Hall at the Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S.

The program will start at 6:30 p.m. Registration begins at 6:15 p.m.

To RSVP and for more information and directions to campus, visit http://www.law.stetson.edu/forms/pt-information-day-rsvp.php or e-mail [email protected].

Stetson Law Sweeps State Moot Court Competition for Second Straight Year

A trio of students from Stetson University College of Law won the top three awards at the 2011 Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition in Orlando on June 23.

Stetson’s moot court team of Chad Burgess, Brooke Geiger, and Jason Lambert won the competition and the Best Brief award. Jason Lambert won the Best Final Round Oralist award. The annual event is held in conjunction with The Florida Bar convention.

Stetson graduate Larry Miccolis and Moot Court Advisor Professor Brooke Bowman coached the winning team. “The final round of the competition was judged by jurists on Florida’s Supreme Court. This is the second year in a row that Stetson has swept the competition. This is a strong start to our competition season,” said Bowman.

Contact: Frank Klim
727-562-7889
[email protected]

Royal Gardner Named Interim Dean of Stetson University College of Law

Stetson University Provost Beth Paul announced today that Professor Royal C. Gardner will serve as interim dean of the College of Law beginning in early July. Dean Darby Dickerson has accepted a deanship at Texas Tech University School of Law.

“I am confident that the strong momentum at Stetson University College of Law will continue under Professor Gardner’s leadership,” said President Wendy B. Libby.

Professor Gardner has served as vice dean, associate dean for academics, and director of international programs, and is the director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy as well as a professor of law at Stetson University College of Law. He has twice received the Homer and Dolly Hand Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and is an internationally respected legal scholar on environmental issues. His most recent book is Lawyers, Swamps, and Money: U.S. Wetland Law, Policy, and Politics, published by Island Press.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as interim dean and look forward to working with the Stetson community to continue our tradition of excellence,” said Professor Gardner.

Joshua Magidson, chairman of the Stetson University College of Law Board of Overseers and a member of the university trustees, said, “We are excited that Roy Gardner is going to be the interim dean. Members of the Board of Overseers, as well as the greater College of Law community, provided significant input to this decision. Roy is immensely qualified and we look forward to working together during this transition process.”

A national search for the next Dean of the Stetson University College of Law will begin shortly. Provost Paul will appoint the search committee by mid-July.

Contact: Frank Klim
727-562-7889
[email protected]