Dean’s Fellows Program is Launched at Foundations Week

By Jake Jenkins

Aug. 30, 2022

Foundations Week marked the official launch of the Dean’s Fellows Program for 23 exemplary incoming students to Michigan State University College of Law.

The program was designed by Dean Linda Greene to bring together students from the class of 2025 who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a special interest in one of four important areas of the law: Leadership, Transactional Law, Public Service, and Civil Rights/Social Justice.

Students selected for the program come with passion for the law shaped by their personal life experience, Dean Greene said.

“We want to capture your passion, to nurture it and amplify it in professional opportunities that will enable you to learn more about your career and leadership opportunities,” she said. “Your knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion concerns are important to the legal profession.”

The program is led by David Thronson, Associate Dean for Experiential and Clinical Legal Education. He said an important element of the program is the one-on-one mentorships with distinguished legal professionals.

“This program is a way to take our incoming law students and move them through to their ultimate goal of being leaders in the legal profession,” said Prof. Thronson. “We are here to help them make connections and help them be thoughtful. This class will help us gain a better understanding as to what students in the program will need in the future.”

As students embark on their journey as law students, those in the Dean’s Fellows Program say they understand their role in helping to shape the program.

“Being in this program adds a level of responsibility with it being the inaugural class,” said Matt Kelly, Leadership track. “I feel I have to set the tone for those who come after me. I feel I would have the knowledge and experience to help newcomers and is a great opportunity to be part of.”

“Being here gives me the chance to take a glimpse of what I want to practice,” said Nneka Iroha, Transactional Law. “It helps me see how I can develop not only my legal understanding but help other people develop theirs as well.”

With this being the inaugural year of the program, Prof. Thronson said he will be making adjustments as necessary for future cohorts.