Posted in: Lawyers › None
It’s not often that both South Carolina law schools undergo leadership transitions at the same time.
Larry Cunningham, a Georgetown Law graduate with over a decade in higher education, took over the helm at the Charleston School of Law in June. Columbia attorney and past president of the American Bar Association William Hubbard returned to his alma mater in August— this time as dean of the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Deans Cunningham and Hubbard took time out from their busy schedules to answer a few questions about what they envision for the future of their respective schools.
A snippet of the Q&A is below, but you can find the full interview in the September issue of SC Lawyer.
Q: What is one unique asset you bring to the table as dean?
Larry Cunningham: My focus on data and assessment. I have formal training in institutional research through a graduate certificate I completed at Sam Houston State University. I learned the benefits (but also limits) of data and how it can help decision making. If I may, there is a second unique thing that I bring to the deanship. I am one of the few deans in the country to come from a skills background (in my case, legal writing). That is not a slight on my colleagues who come from the doctrinal ranks. All voices are valuable in law school leadership. However, some of the most innovative teaching and scholarship comes from the faculty who are most closely attuned to law practice. Having our voices heard in addition to those of our doctrinal colleagues can only benefit students and the academy as a whole.
William Hubbard: I am not sure that I have qualities that are unique, but through the ABA and the World Justice Project, I have had the privilege of learning about legal systems around the world and meeting lawyers and judges who guide those systems. I have also been exposed to and inspired by leaders who remain committed to the rule of law under challenging and often threatening conditions. I would hope to inculcate that commitment to the rule of law in students and inspire them to be vigilant as guardians of our system of ordered liberty.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
LC: I am most looking forward to getting to know the students of Charleston School of Law and helping them to pass the bar exam and get jobs in the legal profession. I have already been impressed by the commitment of the faculty, alumni, staff, and student leaders. I look forward to working with all of them in the years ahead. I am particularly looking forward to teaching Evidence this Fall.
WH: I think what I’m most excited about is spending time with students, exposing them to the expansive opportunities that the law offers, and helping them reach their full potential.
Q: What’s a song you always sing in the car?
LC: Anything country.
WH: In my teen years, I spent lots of time in the summers at the beach. One of my favorite songs from those summers is “This Old Heart of Mine” by the Isley Brothers. I still love the Isley Brothers, and this question has me humming right now.