ST. THOMAS LAW: 25 Years Forward
By Amy Carlson Gustafson
When the University of St. Thomas School of Law opened its doors in 2001, the founders had “high aspirations and a deep mission.” What they didn’t have was any idea what would happen, not even knowing how many students would show up for the first day of class. Turns out 120 students came, and the mission resonated. Those high aspirations? They weren’t unfounded. Fast forward 25 years, and St. Thomas Law now has more than 3,000 graduates. Faculty ranked 23rd nationally for scholarly impact. A top school nationally for practical training. Recent rankings in the U.S. News top 100 law schools. And a mission that has kept the school grounded in its faith. "The law school’s market position has never been stronger," former law school dean and current University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer said. "Our entering class has never been better and stellar new faculty members and staff professionals with many career options are embracing our mission and choosing to join our community." A lot has happened in the world since the opening—9/11, the financial crisis of the late 2000s, COVID, George Floyd’s murder and the racial reckoning that followed, concerns about the rule of law, and the law school is currently in search of its next dean. However, now is the time to “think big,” Vischer said. This means expanding St. Thomas Law’s national reach in recruiting students, faculty and scholarship recipients while standing firm in its mission. "The law school passed each of these challenges with flying colors," he said. "With each new obstacle, we emerged as a stronger law school on the other side. If we keep the school's mission front and center no matter the circumstances, St. Thomas Law will thrive."
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