SCHOOL OF LAW NEWS
FATHER DANIEL GRIFFITH NAMED VP FOR MISSION
Father Daniel Griffith, a School of Law faculty member and current pastor and rector of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, has been named the new Vice President for Mission at the University of St. Thomas. As VP for Mission, Griffith will lead the Office for Mission and help advance the university's Catholic identity across its campuses.
Griffith has a deep and longstanding connection to St. Thomas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Thomas. Griffith also holds a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. He joined the School of Law faculty in 2011 and currently serves as the Wenger Family Faculty Fellow of Law. He is also the founding director of the law school's Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing, which he will continue to lead as a joint initiative of the School of Law and Office for Mission. Griffith will begin his new role July 1.
CONGRATULATIONS, JESSICA NELSON ‘05!
At the 15th annual Alumnae Brunch, St. Thomas Law honored Jessica Nelson '05 J.D. with an Alumna Achievement Award. Nelson is the chief legal officer and general counsel for Mesabi Metallics, where she oversees litigation and corporate legal matters. She also leads the legal strategy for a multi-billion-dollar mining project poised to transform northern Minnesota’s economy. “Jessica Nelson represents everything we hope our graduates will become—professionally excellent, deeply ethical and committed to service,” said Dean Daniel Kelly. “Her leadership and impact within a complex, high-stakes industry reflect the kind of principled professionalism that defines the St. Thomas Law community. We are proud to celebrate her achievements.” Nelson was also recognized nationally in 2025 by The American Lawyer as Solo General Counsel of the Year at its annual Industry Awards. Nelson is pictured (center) with alumnae who were part of a panel discussion at the brunch titled, "Bold Moves: Courageous Leadership in a Changing Legal Landscape."
Pictured L to R: Jenna Peterson ‘13 J.D., Amanda Harrington ‘19 J.D., Nelson, Heidi Bassett ‘05 J.D. and Associate Dean Lisa Brabbit (panel moderator).
Summer 2022 Page 9 Summer 2026
Powered by FlippingBook