Faculty Spotlight: Carolyn Ryburn
Carolyn Ryburn
Visiting Professor of Law
Joined Bowen Law in 2020
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena […].” 鈥� Theodore Roosevelt
Carolyn Ryburn teaches Research, Writing, and Analysis at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and brings a strong background in legal practice and pedagogy. A Bowen alumna herself, Ryburn is deeply invested in the success of Bowen鈥檚 students and the future of Arkansas鈥檚 legal community.
Ryburn began her legal career in litigation at a defense firm in Little Rock before transitioning to an in-house position in human resources at a multi-state bank. She first joined Bowen Law in 2020 as a visiting professor. In 2021 she transitioned to writing specialist, and worked extensively in the PASS (Professional Academic Support Services) program.
In 2023, she returned to teaching as a Visiting Assistant Professor and continues to serve as a PASS Program mentor.
Her research focuses on legal education and pedagogy, with a particular interest in experiential learning. Her published scholarship includes an article on using BINGO to teach legal vocabulary, and she has two forthcoming publications: one on the benefits of hosting oral arguments in a courthouse and another exploring the use of AI in classroom exercises.
鈥淚 intentionally incorporate experiential learning and reflective discussions,鈥� Ryburn says. 鈥淭he goal is to help students develop the professionalism and confidence they need to be practice-ready.鈥�
As a passionate educator and Bowen graduate, she sees her teaching as a form of public service鈥攅quipping future lawyers to serve their communities effectively. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time on the water and is an avid water skier.
Ryburn earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hendrix College, a Master of Public Administration from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and a Juris Doctor from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.