A LETTER FROM THE INTERIM DEAN
Acknowledging milestones along with next steps
It is my great honor to have an opportunity to introduce this issue of the
Stetson Lawyer. As a member of the faculty at Stetson University College
of Law for approaching two decades, I have witnessed many milestones at
the College of Law.
We celebrated the opening of the law library in its present location with a
dedication by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the opening
of our Tampa Law Center in what has become a legal hub of activity in
downtown Tampa, the unveiling of our elder-friendly Eleazer Courtroom,
and the very recent dedication of our new Veterans Law Institute and
Veterans Advocacy Clinic. Since 1995, we have ranked first in Trial
Advocacy 21 out of 25 years.
With each initiative, Stetson Law has remained focused on forward momentum along a path in line
with our values as an institution. The contributions of our faculty, students and alumni have propelled
Stetson into the 21st century as a national leader in advocacy and legal writing. In looking back at
some of our pioneering predecessors, we can revisit some of the milestones that have led to our success.
Stetson University College of Law is Florida’s first law school and the first law school in the state to
graduate female lawyers. We welcomed our first female dean of the College of Law more than 20 years
ago, Dean Emerita and Professor of Law Lizabeth Moody. Our cover story for this issue shines a
spotlight on some of our extraordinary path-breaking alumnae. These four women have shattered the
glass ceiling, achieved greatness despite challenges, and serve as role models to the next generation of
Stetson lawyers. Also in this issue, it is my pleasure to introduce the next dean of the College of Law,
who will have an opportunity to shape the future of our institution, Michèle Alexandre.
I hope you will enjoy reading this issue of the Stetson Lawyer.
Kristen David Adams
Interim Dean and Professor of Law
Stetson University College of Law
Kristen David Adams