University of Houston Board of Regents Chairman Tilman Fertitta, left, Pipeline program manager Kristen Guiseppi, Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes, Pipeline students Mustapha Nyallay, Phillip Pinell, Mason Malone, Gabrielle Lee, Stephanie Nweke and UH President Renu Khator.
Aug. 29, 2016 - The University of Houston Law Center's Pre-Law Pipeline Program was honored last week as the recipient of the UH System Board of Regents' Academic Excellence Award.
"We're so proud of the Law Center," UH board of regents chairman Tilman Fertitta said. "It's so great to be a part of this and see all the things we're accomplishing at the University of Houston."
The program is designed to increase the diversity of talented law school graduates from underrepresented backgrounds. The award was presented at the regents' board meeting held in the Conrad Hilton Ballroom at the UH Hilton.
Several graduates of the Pipeline Program addressed the board by sharing their experiences at the Law Center, and thanking members for their recognition.
"In two short years, the Pre-Law Pipeline Program has been a great success," said Dean Leonard M. Baynes. "Two members of the program's inaugural class are enrolled at UHLC and the University of Iowa College of Law. The 2016 Pipeline students, who spent the summer studying the LSAT, experienced a 9-point average score increase and an 11-point median score increase after four diagnostic LSAT exams."
The Pipeline scholars will have online resources and take three more diagnostic tests until the Sept. 24 LSAT exam. The Pipeline Program follows in the proud tradition of a similar program organized several years ago by Professor Michael A. Olivas, who is currently serving as interim president of UH-Downtown.
"The program began with Provost Paula Myrick Short's generous financial investment in its success, and the relocation of Kristen Guiseppi from New York City to serve as manager," Baynes said. "I want to thank Kristen Guiseppi and Professor Meredith Duncan for their leadership in organizing the program and everyone who has contributed in terms of teaching, interviewing, and providing support to the students and to the program. Your support has made it possible for the Law Center to change the world -- one student at a time."
"I applaud the leadership of the UH Law Center to increase the diversity of our law school applicants," added Dr. Paula Myrick Short, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. "We have already seen success as a direct result of this program, and I know we will continue to see success in the future."
Click here to watch a video for more about the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program.
Dr. Paula Myrick Short (pictured center), senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Houston, referred to the Law Center's Pre-Law Pipeline Program as an innovative initiative for students seeking a legal education at the Aug. 25 Board of Regents meeting.