Dean's Message September 2024
Temperatures may still be in the 90s in Macon, but we are back into our fall semester routine. We had a busy summer with Mercer Law holding its first-ever residential summer camp for high school students. Our summer also involved preparation for the upcoming year. Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Jeannie Zipperer and Student Bar Association President Michaela Manley, who are featured in the September alumni newsletter, are two of the individuals who were leading planning efforts. We are excited to welcome Professor Michelle Hook Dewey as a visiting assistant professor to share her expertise in legal research and legal writing. Both are critical skills for all our students. In addition to welcoming back the upper-level students who gained practical experiences this summer, we are excited to welcome our first-year students.
Our class of first-year law students bring a variety of experiences and perspectives. They come from 49 undergraduate institutions and have the highest median undergraduate GPA in the law school’s history. Over 40 majors are represented including anthropology, biochemistry, English, finance, kinesiology, music, political science, psychology, and sports management. The students have leadership experience in student organizations and athletics including cheer, cross country, hockey, lacross, rodeo, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling. This class is committed to service with many who have served communities with countless hours of community service and those who have served the country as members of the National Guard and the Army. Our orientation week began with a service-based learning project at the Brookdale Resource Center. For the second year in a row, first-year law students learned about the needs of residents of Macon and made a direct contribution to their support.
The year ahead brings many exciting opportunities as we adjust to licensure reforms and leverage technological innovations. The year ahead also provides opportunities to gather. I hope to see you at the Homecoming Tailgate!
