Dean's Message November 2025

The month of November reminds us all to express gratitude and share appreciation. At Mercer Law, we have much to be grateful for.

For the July 2024 Georgia Bar Exam, our graduates had the highest first-time bar pass rate in more than a decade. In fact, our graduates exceeded the statewide first-time bar exam pass rate, the average first-time bar exam pass rate for all law schools in the state, and were ranked second for all law schools in the state! These successes are a result of the dedication of the graduates and the support of the entire Mercer Law community.

Faculty, staff, students, and alumni are serving, leading, and inspiring.

The contributions of two faculty members are being recognized with the 2025 Judge Clyde Reese Board of Visitors’ Excellence Award. Associate Professor of Law Monica Armstrong Roudil, who teaches courses ranging from Introduction to the Study of Law to the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, received the Judge Clyde Reese Board of Visitors’ Excellence in Teaching Award. Assistant Professor of Law Margie Alsbrook, who writes, teaches, and presents in the areas of legal writing and agriculture law, received the Judge Clyde Reese Board of Visitors’ Excellence in Scholarship Award. Students routinely share appreciation for their assistance and guidance, along with recognizing the many contributions of faculty and staff.

Julie Barnes’ connection to Mercer and her important work to support Mercer Law Students is much appreciated. As a member of the Career Services Office, Julie provides support for students on their professional journey from orientation to graduation. Whether supporting on campus interviews or the experiential-palooza, Julie Barnes is at the center of all Career Services events.

I am grateful for the support that the law students provide each other. The two featured students exemplify what it means to be a Mercer Lawyer. Lucious Moore has been a dedicated student leader and committed group mentor. As a group mentor, he provides assistance, guidance, and encouragement for fellow students. He shares study strategies and exam-taking techniques to prepare students for the mid-terms and finals.

Caroline Hager connects students with the Middle Georgie Community. She co-lead efforts with the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy. But she also seeks other opportunities. Caroline recently organized the Wellness Resource Fair, which brought to the law school building partners to serve Middle Georgia including the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, The Methodist Home, Crisis Line and Safe House, and Habitat for Humanity. Students were able to sign-up for future service projects with those organizations.

Terrific Mercer Law Students become impactful Mercer Lawyers. In this newsletter, we feature Class of 2004 graduate Kristen Quinton. In addition to her work as the Staff Attorney for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District, she regularly volunteers in the community. Learn how she created the Georgia Bibb County 4-H Archery Program. In February 2025, she was honored at the Georgia State Capitol as the State of Georgia 4-H Volunteer of the Year.

Each year, we are delighted to show our gratitude and appreciation in a formal way with our annual alumni awards. Our 2026 recipients are Henry Walker, the Honorable Eric Dunaway, and Virginia Josey. I hope you will join me to share our appreciation at the February 27, 2026, Annual Alumni Dinner.

I am grateful for all our alumni who are models for our law students. I hope to see some of you at the November 15 Homecoming Tailgate so that I can express that gratitude appreciation in person.

Best wishes to each of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving!