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ALUMNI
NEWS UH LAW CENTER ALUMNUS RICKY RAVEN ’86
APPOINTED TO UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM’S
BOARD OF REGENTS
ov. Greg Abbott appointed 36-year veteran trial lawyer, Ricky “To say that I’m thrilled would be an understatement,” Raven said.
GRaven, to the UH system’s Board of Regents. Raven joined newly “I spent 7 consecutive years of my life here, I grew up and became a
reappointed members, Tilman Fertitta and Beth Madison, and six young adult here. The University of Houston has a very special place
other members along with a student regent. The governing body in my heart.” Raven didn’t just attend university for classes, he lived
oversees four universities – University of Houston, University on campus as both an undergrad and a post graduate student. While
of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Downtown, and living at Taub hall he supported students as a resident advisor during
University of Houston-Victoria. Raven is senior vice president and law school.
deputy general counsel for Allstate Insurance. He graduated from After graduating in 1986, Raven began his legal career as an assistant
the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science and a Juris district attorney in Harris County. He later moved into private
Doctor degree. practice and has first-chaired more than 120 jury trials to verdict.
“Ricky will bring energy, enthusiasm, and a fresh perspective to the Over the years Raven has represented major chemical companies in
board,” said Renu Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston federal litigation; successfully defended a large shopping mall owner
system. “We are very fortunate to have such talented individuals as in a criminal prosecution; and conducted internal investigations for
Ricky volunteering their time and intellect to keep the UH System on several Fortune 100 corporations. He’s excited to bring this extensive
track and moving forward.” law and life experience to this role.
That energy and enthusiasm has served Raven well in his “One thing that you have to do as a trial lawyer is think strategically
memberships at the International Association of Trial Lawyers, the and critically,” said Raven. “To think strategically about where the
American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Association University of Houston might go and the impact that it will have it’s
of Defense Counsel, and the State Bar of Texas. His passion for very exciting because we’re on the rise in every area.”
education shines through in his appointment on the Texas Higher Raven will serve on the Board of Regents until Aug. 31, 2027. He lives
Education Coordinating Board, the board of the University of in Sugar Land with wife Felicia, also a UH graduate, and they are
Houston Foundation and as a member of UH’s Board of Visitors. proud parents to sons James and Philip. ^
Raven’s dedication to UH has continued long after his graduation,
which is why this appointment means so much to him.
THREE UH LAW CENTER ALUMNI AMONG MOST EXCEPTIONAL
PERFORMERS ON FEBRUARY AND MARCH BAR EXAMS
hree University of Houston Law Center graduates
Twere among the highest-scoring test takers of the
February bar exam.
In the February bar exam, Emily Seaman Hoy ’20
recorded the second-highest score and Nicholas
Kacal ’20 placed third, the two best scores of all Texas
law schools.
“This showing is particularly impressive, given that
this was the first administration of the UBE, and the
test takers were faced with Winter Storm Uri and its Emily Seaman Hoy ’20 Julie Le ’20
aftermath,” said Dean Leonard M. Baynes.
On the makeup administration of the exam in March,
Julie Le earned the second-highest mark.
Nicholas Kacal ’20
“In trying circumstances, these Law Center graduates thrived,” said
UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Paula
Myrick Short. “This result is a credit to the Law Center’s quality
instruction and the perseverance and determination of its alumni.” ^
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