Reflecting on my journey, it’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, I stepped into the halls of Mississippi College School of Law. My law school application was bolstered by a heartfelt recommendation from the esteemed Judge Mary Libby Payne, whom I had the pleasure of meeting during my first “real” job after graduating from Tougaloo College. With the unwavering encouragement of remarkable mentors like Past President Justice Reuben Anderson and Justice Fred Banks, I embarked on a path that led me to work closely with the Mississippi Bar, assisting the Director of the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (LJAP) and the Women in the Profession Committee.
What I initially thought would be a valuable experience while I worked through the MPPA program at Jackson State University opened the door to a vibrant community of inspiring women in the legal field. I had the privilege to connect with dedicated leaders such as Judge Payne, Lt. Governor Evelyn Gandy, Carol West, Shirley Jones, Jennifer Johnson, Judge Patricia Wise, Judge Denise Owens, La’Verne Edney, Melissa Carleton, Judge Cynthia Brewer, Nina Stubblefield Tollison, Joy Lambert Philip, Karen Sawyer, Terri Gleason, Lydia Quarles, Judge Denise Lott, Judge Dorothy Colom, Judge Linda Anderson, Tesselyn Melton and so many more. It was also wonderful to reconnect with fellow Tougaloo alumnae like Constance Slaughter Harvey, Judge Melba Dixon, and Patricia Bennett—relationships that I treasure deeply to this day. All of these relationships had a profound impact on my journey to Mississippi College School of Law. It was indeed a surprise, but it was also a great honor to be asked to provide the closing prayer at this special event. I guess when you’re a “preacher’s kid”, you always have a prayer in your heart and a speech in your back pocket.
As we gathered yesterday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Mississippi College School of Law, I found myself reflecting on the entire arc of my career—a journey that commenced at the tender age of eight when my dream was first ignited. From my pre-law studies at Tougaloo College to my graduate program at Jackson State University and ultimately to law school at Mississippi College, this path has been truly remarkable. Today, it brings pride to serve as a Trustee for the very institution that helped shape my career nearly 25 years ago.
The celebration was truly inspiring! We listened intently to the legacy of MC Law, from its humble beginnings with evening classes to its exciting physical transformation, with new additions and promising new construction ahead. It was a joy to hear insightful remarks from our remarkable Deans, including Judge Payne (the first law school dean), Jim Rosenblatt (who we are convinced wears his MC nametag on everything including his pjs), Patricia Bennett (who reminded us of the many great alumni of MC Law including judges, lawyers, civil servants, executives of corporations and law firms, community leaders and Mississippi Bar Presidents), Dean Lee (who shared stories of hiring faculty and selecting students), and the always comical Matthew Steffey, culminating in an inspiring wrap-up by our current dean, John Anderson, and President Blake Thompson.
Mississippi College School of Law is more than just an institution; it’s where we transform from eager, determined law students into budding professionals who rely on each other for our expertise. Through the years, those connections have evolved into great friendships and, in my case, a wonderful marriage. I am immensely grateful for my experiences at MC Law and excited about its future. Here’s to 50 incredible years, and may God continue to bless Mississippi College!