Dean Greene Meets with Students for First Dean’s Fellows Meeting of the Semester

By Jake Jenkins
Feb. 8, 2023

Michigan State University College of Law Dean Linda Greene delivered a dynamic message about the law as she met with a group of first year students at a lunch Feb. 6.

“I wanted to show students that their opportunities as lawyers are endless,” Dean Greene said. “I also wanted to share the idea that it’s never too early to have a purpose in life that can coexist with your career.”

Last semester, during Foundations Week, officially launched the Dean’s Fellows Program for 23 exemplary incoming students to MSU Law.

Those students were able to come together for the first meeting of the semester and hear from Dean Greene.

She shared life stories and personal achievements with the students; displaying a PowerPoint that highlighted her days as a grade-schooler, her collegiate days as a law student/track and field athlete, and even her legal career up to becoming Dean of MSU Law.

Students in attendance enjoyed hearing from Dean’s perspective and how there are multiple options to choose from within the legal field.

“As a person of color, I didn’t have many people to look up to in the legal field,” said Emanuel Sapalo, ’25. “Looking at her journey, it gave me the courage and motivation. If she could do it during a time where it was challenging for people like us, then we all can do it now.”

Students like Tessa Phillips, ’25, see a benefit from being a part of this program and creating a great law school experience.

“It’s been good to just get some connections,” Phillips said. “Getting to know the student body and even getting additional trainings for job searching and internships has been good. It has even been interesting getting to know the faculty more as well through the roundtables.”