Bowen School of Law - William H. Bowen School of Law - ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock /law/tag/bowen-school-of-law/ ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:04:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 A Future Reclaimed: Jon-Austen Linch’s Path from Addiction to the Law /law/2026/04/16/part-time-law-program-second-chance-arkansas/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:59:55 +0000 /law/?p=42808 Jon-Austen Linch works just feet away from the iconic marble steps inside the Arkansas State Capitol, where his days are spent advising, communicating, and helping shape public policy at the ... A Future Reclaimed: Jon-Austen Linch’s Path from Addiction to the Law

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Jon-Austen Linch works just feet away from the iconic marble steps inside the Arkansas State Capitol, where his days are spent advising, communicating, and helping shape public policy at the highest levels.

It’s a place defined by structure—by process, order, and systems built to hold everything in place.

Nearly a decade ago, Linch was sleeping in his car.

Growing up in Little Rock with a loving family and a diploma from Catholic High, Linch’s path initially looked like that of many Arkansans: he headed to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas.

But after a year of battling an undiagnosed anxiety disorder and a growing dependence on substances, he flunked out. That setback spiraled into years of addiction, homelessness, and brushes with the law. “I really thought life was over,” he said.

It wasn’t.

Through the grace of a compassionate prosecutor and a passionate defense attorney, Linch was offered a second chance instead of a criminal record. He took it.

That second chance led him to Renewal Ranch, a faith-based recovery program in Perryville. For the first time in years, he saw what he describes as “a glimmer of hope.”

He stayed, completed the program, and later joined the organization in fundraising and marketing. From there, he returned to school and earned his psychology degree from Central Baptist College. With that progress came a new goal. Linch began to see law school as the path forward, a way to help others the same way he had been helped.

“I knew I wasn’t done,” Linch said. “I wanted to keep going, but my grades from Fayetteville followed me. On paper, law school just didn’t seem possible.”

Part-Time Law Program for Working Professionals

At Bowen, that path became possible. When Linch learned about the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law’s LEAP Program, a six-week pathway for students whose transcripts might not reflect their true potential, he saw an opening. He applied, got in, and found the momentum he’d been missing.

“LEAP demystified law school,” he said. “I walked into my first day with study partners, real experience, and six weeks of contracts under my belt. It changed everything.”

From there, his path began to take shape.

Linch is now a second-year part-time student at Bowen, balancing coursework with a full-time role as Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs for Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge. He worked on Rutledge’s early campaign before addiction sidelined his future. She has remained a consistent supporter, something Linch says is rare in politics.

His experiences have shaped his focus.

“I’ve been to 11 funerals in five years,” he said. “Friends who didn’t make it. I had access to a resource that changed my life. That was a good attorney. I want to be that for someone else.”

At Bowen, Linch has found more than academic redemption. He’s found a community that meets students where they are and pushes them forward.

He points to professors like John Cook, who teaches legal writing and analysis, as a defining part of that experience. Cook is known for meeting with students after class ends at 9 p.m. or on weekends, doing whatever it takes to help them succeed.

That mentorship has already made a tangible impact. Linch is now a member of ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review, and his note has been selected for publication, an opportunity he credits in part to Cook’s encouragement to join and strengthen his writing.

Even while undergoing cancer treatment, Cook adjusted his own schedule to ensure students were prepared for finals. That level of commitment left an impression. “He’s the best educator I’ve ever had,” Linch said. “He wants you to understand it, not just get through it.”

For Linch, that kind of support isn’t the exception. It’s part of what makes Bowen different.

The part-time program at Bowen has made that path possible. It allows Linch to work full time at the Capitol while continuing his legal education, balancing coursework with the responsibilities that matter most at home.

He and his wife, Ellie, recently welcomed their first child, adding a new layer of purpose to an already demanding season of life. Grounded in his faith, Linch approaches that responsibility with a clear sense of direction and calling.

It is not easy.

But it is exactly the kind of path Bowen is designed to support, one where students can build a career that matters without putting their lives on hold.

Learn more about Bowen’s Part-Time Program.

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Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power /law/2026/02/10/arnold-lecture-2026/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:39:16 +0000 /law/?p=42274 The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will host the 2026 Arnold Lecture and Symposium: The Reach and Limits of Executive Power, on Tuesday, March 10, from 5 ... Arnold Lecture Brings Celebrated Legal Scholars to Discuss Executive Power

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The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will host the 2026 Arnold Lecture and Symposium: The Reach and Limits of Executive Power, on Tuesday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The event will begin with check-in and opening reception at 5 p.m., followed by a welcome and keynote conversation at 5:30 p.m. featuring two of the most distinguished constitutional scholars in the United States.

This year’s lecture brings together Professor John Yoo of the University of California at Berkeley and Professor Vikram Amar of the University of California, Davis, for an in-depth discussion on the scope of executive authority in the American legal system. Both are widely published legal thinkers whose perspectives offer valuable insights into the evolving balance of powers between the executive branch, Congress and the courts.

“This lecture provides a timely forum for informed discussion on the constitutional boundaries of executive power,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law. â€śBy hosting legal scholars with contrasting ideological and political perspectives, we aim to foster thoughtful dialogue that reflects Bowen’s commitment to public service, professionalism and legal understanding.”

About the Speakers

John Yoo is the Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is also a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Civic Leadership and a senior fellow at its Civitas Institute. A former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Yoo served in the U.S. Department of Justice on 9/11 and has worked in all three branches of government. He has authored more than 100 academic articles and numerous books and is a frequent contributor to major national publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the Washington Post.

Vikram Amar is the Daniel J. Dykstra Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law. He previously served as dean of the University of Illinois College of Law and has held faculty positions at Berkeley, UCLA, and Northwestern, among others. Amar clerked for Justice Harry A. Blackmun of the U.S. Supreme Court and is a widely cited scholar in constitutional law, federal courts and civil procedure. He is a contributing columnist for Justia and SCOTUSblog, and a co-author of leading legal treatises and casebooks.

About the Arnold Lecture

The Arnold Lecture series, an occasional event hosted by the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, honors the late Judge Richard Arnold and Judge Morris “Buzz” Arnold, distinguished Arkansas jurists appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In past years, the Arnold Lecture has welcomed U.S. Supreme Court justices and other celebrated legal scholars to Arkansas to examine issues central to the rule of law and democratic governance.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve your seat at .

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Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge /law/2026/01/07/fall-2025-hooding-ceremony/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:32:26 +0000 /law/?p=41605 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law honored its Fall 2025 Juris Doctor graduates during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Dec. 12, in ... Bowen Law Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates with Hooding Ceremony and Keynote from Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law honored its Fall 2025 Juris Doctor graduates during a hooding ceremony held Friday, Dec. 12, in the school’s Friday Courtroom. The event marked a milestone for the graduates, their families, and the Bowen community.

Dean Colin Crawford opened the ceremony by reflecting on the perseverance shown by the graduating class. Many had completed their degrees through Bowen’s part-time evening program while balancing full-time jobs and other responsibilities, a commitment Crawford described as “very special” to Bowen’s faculty and staff. “Most of these students have been laboring at this for at least four years while also holding a full-time job,” he said.

Judge Wendy Scholtens Wood of the Arkansas Court of Appeals delivered the keynote address. A 1996 Bowen alumna and accomplished attorney, Judge Wood offered graduates heartfelt advice rooted in both personal experience and the collective wisdom of her peers. In preparing her remarks, she consulted ten of her former classmates, now serving across sectors including public defense, nonprofit leadership, the judiciary, and private practice.

Her classmates included a federal magistrate judge, a venture capitalist, a nonprofit executive director, and attorneys in government and private roles. Wood emphasized civility as essential in Arkansas’s close-knit legal community, urged graduates to seek mentors and stay curious, and reminded them to prioritize personal well-being alongside professional achievement.

“As you begin your legal careers, I hope the advice from my class to yours serves you well,” she said. “Play the long game. Ask for help. Find mentors. And don’t be so focused on the pursuit of success that you sacrifice your health or your family.”

Special guests at the ceremony included Chief Judge Phyllis M. Jones ’97 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, who was joined by her judicial clerk, Louis Houser ’25; and Paul Wood ’96, husband of keynote speaker Judge Wendy Wood.

A reception followed the ceremony in the Law Library. Graduates also participated in ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s university-wide commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Fall 2025 Bowen School of Law Graduates
Juris Doctor

  • Samuel Patrick Bell
  • Kristen Mary Corley
  • Christina Marie Doncell, magna cum laude
  • James Daniel French II
  • Sonora Faye Gillespie
  • James Thomas Herrod
  • Sarah Khatib
  • Elizabeth Jayne Kimble
  • April Rene Muhammad
  • Natalie Christine Rachel
  • Kirsten Richey
  • Johndrea Earlisha Tatum
  • Verenice Perez Taylor, summa cum laude
  • Mark Steven Young

The ceremony reflected Bowen’s mission to prepare students for meaningful legal careers grounded in public service, professionalism, and access to justice. As these graduates step into their legal careers, they carry forward that mission into courtrooms and communities across Arkansas and beyond.

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A Career Reimagined: Mark Young’s Pivot from Broadcasting to Law /law/2025/12/12/mark-young-pivot-to-law/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:14:31 +0000 /law/?p=41473 Twenty-two years ago, Mark Young graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in political science and a plan to attend law school. But a part-time job in television ... A Career Reimagined: Mark Young’s Pivot from Broadcasting to Law

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Twenty-two years ago, Mark Young graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in political science and a plan to attend law school. But a part-time job in television sparked what became a two-decade career behind the scenes in local news. When the industry began to shift, and the pandemic forced a personal reckoning, Young returned to a question he had shelved years earlier: What kind of impact did he want to make? That question led him to the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, where he found the structure and support he needed to pursue something more. He is now building a second career shaped by purpose and momentum.

Leaving television was not just a career decision. It meant stepping away from a path he had spent decades building in Memphis. Returning home to Nashville, Arkansas, Young moved in with his parents to regroup and prepare for the LSAT as his first step toward law school. “If I didn’t do it then, in my early 40s, I never would,” he said. “It was time to figure out how I could help people and help Arkansas in a more lasting way.”

Young had always been self-reliant. Even while preparing for law school, he worked full time at a Little Rock television station. When it came time to apply, the decision was easy. Bowen offered the flexibility and support he needed through its part-time evening program, along with proximity to family and access to Arkansas’s legal and political center. “It was designed for working adults like me,” he said. “I could still pay my bills, still support myself, and get the education I had put off for years.”

Starting law school in his 40s was not easy. Young had not been in a classroom in two decades, and the adjustment was steep. “I didn’t do very well my first two semesters,” he said. Learning how law school worked — how professors taught, how exams were written, how answers were expected — took time. But with guidance from faculty and steady support from his classmates, he began to find his footing. Each semester, his confidence grew. “If I didn’t understand something, I could go to a professor and ask. That made a big difference.”

Throughout law school, Young balanced a heavy workload. At any given time, he held at least three jobs, including his long-standing role as a Broadcast Technical Director for the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers. He made regular trips to Memphis for games while also launching a mobile notary service in Central Arkansas. Over the years, he worked for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, clerked at the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and joined the Municipal League as an inquiry clerk. “I stayed busy, but I always found a way to make it work,” he said.

It was at the Arkansas Municipal League that Young found a sense of clarity. As an inquiry clerk, he fielded questions from mayors, city attorneys and council members across the state, helping them navigate legal questions and access resources. For someone who grew up in a small town and saw firsthand the challenges rural communities face, the work felt deeply personal. “Small towns are the backbone of Arkansas,” he said. “Getting to support them, even in small ways, has been incredibly rewarding.”

As Young gained momentum, law school became more than just a professional turning point. It was a place of connection and growth. “It’s harder to make good friends as you get older,” he said. “But with our part-time class, we bonded almost immediately.” He found support in study groups and peer conversations, especially during challenging courses. Each semester, he improved, not just in grades but in confidence. One of his favorite spots on campus was the Bowen Mart, where he often spent time with Harley Anderson-Croot, a close friend and fellow student who worked behind the counter. He also served as a student senator and Phi Alpha Delta fundraising chair, finding ways to represent and advocate for other part-time students like him.

Young graduates from the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law this weekend, completing his degree in just three and a half years. He took courses every summer and maximized his course load each semester to get ahead.

Looking forward, Young is keeping his options open. He recently completed the Mediation Clinic and will soon be certified as a mediator in Arkansas. He continues to run his notary business and holds a real estate license, alongside years of media and legal experience. “I will always have a backup plan,” he said. “And a backup to that backup plan.” Whether he continues in municipal law or takes another path, Young is prepared and grounded in a commitment to help Arkansas communities thrive. For other working professionals considering law school later in life, his advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to try it. You can always figure it out.”

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A Calling Reclaimed: April Muhammad’s Path from Grief to the Law /law/2025/12/11/april-muhammad-grief-to-law/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:45:06 +0000 /law/?p=41460 In the quiet months after her husband’s death, April Muhammad found herself searching for direction. She had poured years into caregiving and motherhood, and for the first time in a ... A Calling Reclaimed: April Muhammad’s Path from Grief to the Law

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In the quiet months after her husband’s death, April Muhammad found herself searching for direction. She had poured years into caregiving and motherhood, and for the first time in a long time, the path ahead was her own to choose. That clarity led her back to a dream she first spoke aloud on a dusty Mississippi road as a young girl, when she and her sister imagined futures bigger than their small, segregated town seemed to allow. Muhammad wanted to be a lawyer.

At the time, Muhammad was already enrolled in a Ph.D. program in business leadership — but the work felt hollow. The more she studied, the more she realized it wasn’t what she was meant to do. What pulled at her instead was a deeper need she couldn’t ignore: the persistent gap between people in crisis and the legal help they needed. She had grown up in a place where families struggled in silence, and now she saw how many others still faced those same barriers. If she was going to start over, she wanted it to matter.

Muhammad’s path to law school began with Bowen’s LEAP program, a selective summer initiative that gives high-potential students a chance to prove they are ready for the demands of legal education. She was one of just four students to matriculate that year. “LEAP was harder than any semester of law school,” she said. “It was daily classwork, new material, and it came fast. You couldn’t slack, and I’m thankful for that because it prepared me for what was to come.”

Muhammad made that commitment from Pine Bluff, driving nearly two hours each day to attend classes and study at Bowen. A mother of eight, she balanced coursework with caregiving and a full household, often spending eight to ten hours a day in her carrel on campus. Her youngest son, Ausar, a high school student in Little Rock, spent countless hours with her at the law school, reading in the library or waiting outside classrooms. She began in the part-time program and later transitioned to full time, taking on heavy course loads without slowing down. She completed her degree in just three and a half years, a reflection of her focus, discipline and determination.

At Bowen, Muhammad found more than academic rigor. She found mentors who saw her potential and helped shape her into a practicing advocate. As a Rule XV certified student, she represented real clients in the Delta Divorce Clinic, arguing their cases in court under the supervision of Professor Suzanne Penn. “I was so nervous, but when the judge said I did a good job, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be,” she said. She also completed an externship with Chief Judge Phyllis Jones of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, gaining insight into how judges interpret complex legal issues. Faculty members like Danna Young and Dean Rejena Grotjohn were never far when Muhammad had questions or needed encouragement. Their couches, as she fondly described them, were places to learn and be heard.

While her professors helped shape her as a lawyer, Muhammad’s greatest champions were often behind the scenes. A few years ago, she remarried, and her husband, Bilal Muhammad, supported her every step of the way, from cooking and cleaning to giving her space to study. Her sisters, Carolyn and Lydia, were constant encouragers, sending shirts with messages like “J.D. Loading” and reminding her that she could do anything she set her mind to. Muhammad also carried the quiet motivation of her mother, who spent her career cooking in a hospital cafeteria but once confided that she had always dreamed of being a nurse. That revelation stayed with Muhammad. “I have one life,” she said. “I want to do what I was born to do.”

This weekend, Muhammad will graduate from the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and begin a prestigious clerkship in the chambers of Chief Judge Jones of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, where she once served as a student extern. The courtroom is no longer a dream. It is where she belongs, where purpose meets preparation, and where she is ready to lead.

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Bowen Law Celebrates Alumni Impact and Student Opportunity /law/2025/11/19/distinguished-alumni-luncheon-2025-2/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:46:31 +0000 /law/?p=41335 LITTLE ROCK (Nov. 19, 2025) — The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law brought together more than 300 alumni, students, and community members on Friday, Nov. 14, ... Bowen Law Celebrates Alumni Impact and Student Opportunity

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LITTLE ROCK (Nov. 19, 2025) — The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law brought together more than 300 alumni, students, and community members on Friday, Nov. 14, to honor four remarkable individuals whose careers reflect Bowen’s mission of public service, professionalism, and access to justice.

Held at the Little Rock Marriott, the annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon raised critical funds for student scholarships and offered a moment to celebrate the lasting impact of Bowen’s legal education — in courtrooms, communities, and beyond.

Among this year’s honorees were Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge ’01, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. She shared personal stories from her time at Bowen, tracing her path to becoming the first woman elected as both Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor in Arkansas. “The law is a powerful tool,” she said. “Use it wisely, boldly, and to lift others up. Lead with integrity and serve with tenacity.”

Brigadier General John Payne (Ret.) ’97, recipient of the Outstanding Public Service Award, spoke of his dual commitment to military service and civil litigation. He credited Bowen’s night program with making that balance possible. “Without a night program,” he said, “I most definitely wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Edith Chavez De Oseguera ’20, who accepted the Emerging Leader Award, delivered a moving speech about her journey as an immigrant, mother, and now advocate for underserved Arkansans. “No story, no matter where it begins, is ever too small to change the world,” she said.

Byron M. Eiseman, Jr., a longtime adjunct professor and mentor, was honored with the Friend of Bowen Award. He reflected on five decades of teaching and the legacy of Dean Bill Bowen. “When you think about teaching,” he said, “what you’re hoping is that those in your class will bear fruit in the long run.”

Dean Colin Crawford opened the program by acknowledging a year of change — and the strength of the Bowen community. “Bowen’s strength is built on the backs of all of you,” he told attendees. “Your continued involvement as mentors, advocates, and champions is absolutely central to us.”

The event also featured a heartfelt address from Aziza Taki, a first-year student and scholarship recipient. A first-generation student from small-town Arkansas, Taki shared how her experience at Bowen has already shaped her confidence and sense of purpose. She credited the community’s support for making that possible: “Your generosity doesn’t just open doors,” she said. “It builds bridges for people like me to cross into a future we once thought was out of reach.”

Proceeds from the luncheon support Bowen student scholarships — helping ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of someone building a career in law and public service.

About the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen prepares graduates to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.

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Bowen Law to Recognize Four Honorees at Annual Luncheon /law/2025/10/09/distinguished-alumni-luncheon-2025/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:54:46 +0000 /law/?p=40820 The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will honor four individuals at its annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ... Bowen Law to Recognize Four Honorees at Annual Luncheon

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The ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will honor four individuals at its annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Little Rock Marriott. All proceeds directly benefit the Bowen Law student scholarship fund.

2025 Honorees

The program will celebrate alumni and friends whose leadership exemplifies Bowen’s values of access to justice, public service, and professionalism. This year’s honorees were selected by the Bowen Law School Alumni Board.

Leslie Rutledge ’01, Distinguished Alumnus Award. Arkansas Lieutenant Governor and the state’s first female Attorney General, Rutledge has devoted her career to public service through roles that include deputy counsel in the Governor’s Office, deputy prosecuting attorney, and attorney for the Division of Children and Family Services.

Brig. Gen. John Payne, U.S. Army, retired ’97, Outstanding Alumnus in Public Service. A veteran of Operation Just Cause and former commander of the 77th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier General (Ret.) Payne currently leads the Civil Division in the Office of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. His military awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Edith Chavez De Oseguera ’20, Emerging Leader Award, A partner at United Law Group and an immigration and family law attorney, Chavez De Oseguera serves as a contractor for Arkansas Access to Justice, manages the Arkansas Free Legal Answers program, and supports the Mexican Consulate and nonprofits across the state. She has been recognized with Bowen’s Dean’s Distinguished Public Service Award and LALSA’s Alumni of the Year Award for Public Service.

Byron M. Eiseman, Jr., Friend of Bowen Award, A longtime partner at Friday, Eldredge & Clark and an adjunct professor at Bowen Law for 50 years, Eiseman helped found the Tax Section of the Arkansas Bar Association and has held leadership roles across civic, faith-based, and cultural organizations, including the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Baptist Health Foundation.

“These four honorees reflect the best of Bowen Law. Their leadership and service strengthen Arkansas and the legal profession,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and the example they set for our students.”

“The Alumni Luncheon is more than a celebration of our accomplished honorees,” said Molly McNulty ’12, director of development and external relations. “It’s a bridge between Bowen’s proud history and the future we’re building through our students. Every ticket, every table, every gift is an investment in the next generation of lawyers. This event brings our community together to honor excellence and extend opportunity.”

Tickets are available at .

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A Bowen Graduate’s Mission: Connecting Law, Mental Health and Justice in Arkansas /law/2025/09/22/rachel-fazio-law-mental-health/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:59:38 +0000 /law/?p=40677 In Arkansas jails, individuals with severe mental illness can go weeks, sometimes months, without medication, treatment, or meaningful contact. The consequences are quiet and devastating, unfolding out of sight and ... A Bowen Graduate’s Mission: Connecting Law, Mental Health and Justice in Arkansas

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In Arkansas jails, individuals with severe mental illness can go weeks, sometimes months, without medication, treatment, or meaningful contact. The consequences are quiet and devastating, unfolding out of sight and across systems that were never built to manage them.

It is a reality Dr. Rachel Fazio did not anticipate when she began conducting forensic evaluations across 11 counties. But once she saw the gaps between mental health care, legal knowledge, and the people caught in between, she could not ignore them.

Fazio is one of fewer than a dozen neuropsychologists in the United States who specialize in criminal forensic work. With a doctorate in clinical psychology and dual concentrations in neuropsychology and forensic psychology, she recently added a Juris Doctor to her credentials—not to change careers, but to strengthen her work at the intersection of medicine and law.

Neuropsychology, Fazio explained, focuses on brain-behavior relationships, such as how conditions like ADHD, dementia or traumatic brain injuries affect memory, decision-making and behavior. Forensic psychology, on the other hand, applies clinical training to legal settings.

“Technically, it’s any evaluation you would do for a court or administrative body,” she said. She read legal cases, participated in mock trials and was trained to testify, all before she ever set foot into law school.

Fazio moved to Little Rock for a role at the VA and soon began working as a forensic evaluator across 11 Arkansas counties. In 2022, she enrolled full time at the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Earning a JD was not a pivot. It was a professional investment. “I was either going to do my forensic boards or get a law degree,” she said. “They both show that you care about what you do and require additional knowledge and certification.”

In contrast to state and federal systems, Fazio found that county jails in Arkansas varied dramatically. “Each county does things differently. Dramatically differently,” she added. Some had nurses on site. Others did not. Some contracted with private medical providers, while others left medication decisions to corrections staff. “There is not a uniform way to get mentally ill inmates in county jails the appropriate medications,” she said. Inmates often went without treatment if their prescriptions were not on a facility’s formulary or if they could not afford co-pays. Telehealth services, common since the pandemic, were sometimes unusable when inmates were too ill to leave their cells. “It can also cause a mental health crisis,” she said. “And that is just a glaring problem that is overlooked.”

As a student in Bowen’s full-time JD program, Fazio brought a seasoned professional’s lens to the classroom and found faculty who recognized the unique perspective she offered. Dean Lindsey Gustafson encouraged her early on, and Professor Joshua Silverstein became a trusted advisor. She also gained practical experience through externships, including one with the Central Arkansas Legal Services clinic.

Bowen also became the place where doors opened for her to share what she was seeing in Arkansas county jails. Fazio served as a resource to classmates and other members of the bar, writing for the Arkansas Bar Journal and speaking to the Saline County Bar Association about recognizing key warning signs and knowing when to communicate with a forensic evaluator in cases involving mental illness.

Fazio walked in Bowen’s May commencement ceremony and completed her final course requirement through a study abroad program in Rome this summer. With her JD now conferred, she plans to sit for the Arkansas Bar—not to practice law in a traditional sense, but to continue to practice criminal forensic evaluations and fitness to proceed.

Ultimately, Fazio hopes to improve communication between attorneys, evaluators, county jails, and hospitals. But she is quick to clarify her role. “As a forensic evaluator, I am unbiased,” she said. “But I have an ethical responsibility as a psychologist to advocate for someone when they can’t take care of themselves.”

Fazio hopes to see a future where attorneys are better informed, families are more empowered, and collaboration improves across legal and clinical lines. “If you have a seriously mentally ill family member in jail, keep an eye on them,” she said. “Put money on the books. Call the medical staff. Don’t let them slip through the cracks.”

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Law School Reach Expands with First Out-of-State 4+3 Partner /law/2025/09/03/centenary43/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:16:23 +0000 /law/?p=40530 A new agreement between ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana will provide qualified Centenary students with a direct pathway to law ... Law School Reach Expands with First Out-of-State 4+3 Partner

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A new agreement between ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana will provide qualified Centenary students with a direct pathway to law school, expanding access to legal education and professional opportunity across state lines.

Leaders from both institutions formalized the partnership on August 29 during a ceremony at Centenary’s Hall of Fame Room. The agreement guarantees admission to Bowen Law for Centenary students who meet specific academic criteria: a bachelor’s degree from Centenary, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher, and a minimum LSAT score of 154 within five years of starting law school.

“Bowen Law is proud to join Centenary College as our first 4+3 partner outside the state of Arkansas,” said Colin Crawford, dean of the law school. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparing talented students for meaningful legal careers.”

Bowen Law’s capital city location gives students unique access to state government, nonprofit organizations, and leading legal employers. Recognized by preLaw Magazine as a Best Value Law School and a Top Public Service School, Bowen continues to expand its reach through partnerships that align with its core values: access to justice, public service, and professionalism.

Centenary College President Christopher Holoman described the agreement as “path-breaking” and shared how excited students were to engage with Dean Crawford during their campus visit.

“I attended our annual activity fair, Campus Connections, earlier this week and talked to one of the students at the pre-law table. She was so excited about this opportunity and for the chance to really talk to the leadership of the law school during their visit to Centenary this week,” Holoman said.

During the ceremony, Dean Crawford gave special thanks to Dr. Cragin “Craig” Shelton, a 1971 Centenary alumnus and current Bowen Law student, who helped facilitate the partnership and was present for the event. Crawford also praised the Centenary undergraduates he met during his two-day campus visit.

“I spent much of yesterday with many of your students in different settings,” Crawford said. “They were so impressive and so eager to learn about law. I really hope we’ll be welcoming them to the Bowen School of Law and look forward to this collaboration.”

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ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review Invites Papers for 2026 Ben J. Altheimer Symposium /law/2025/08/22/ua-little-rock-law-review-invites-papers-for-2026-ben-j-altheimer-symposium/ Fri, 22 Aug 2025 19:57:37 +0000 /law/?p=40482 *Please note, the email address to submit proposals has changed to bsfudoli@ualr.edu. The William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ ... ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review Invites Papers for 2026 Ben J. Altheimer Symposium

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*Please note, the email address to submit proposals has changed to bsfudoli@ualr.edu.

The William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review invite paper proposals for the 2026 Ben J. Altheimer Symposium: Rethinking Juvenile Law Through Education and Trauma, to be held at the Bowen School on March 6, 2026.

The annual Altheimer Symposium brings together prominent scholars and speakers to explore topics of significant interest to the legal and scholarly community. The 2026 Altheimer Symposium invites participants to address how the creation and administration of juvenile law is driven by education and trauma, and what changes could be made to improve the system.

Dr. Miguel Cardona, an American educator who served as Commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education from 2019 to 2021 and then as the 12th United States Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden from March 2, 2021, to January 20, 2025, will launch the 2026 Altheimer Symposium with a discussion on mental health in schools, restorative health, and the disparate impact that the dissolution of civil rights in the United States will have on juveniles that could lead them into the juvenile justice system.

The 2026 Altheimer Symposium invites scholars to respond to Dr. Cardona’s discussion points and to explore how education and trauma, or the lack thereof, impacts juveniles and contributes to their futures. The Symposium aims to address the strengths and weaknesses of the juvenile justice system in both Arkansas and the greater United States with the primary focus being on education and trauma. The Symposium therefore seeks proposals to join the symposium and submit an article that addresses any aspect of the intersection of juvenile law, education, and trauma, along with solutions for addressing and improving failing aspects of juvenile law. Following the Symposium in the Spring of 2026, accepted papers will be published in the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review.

Proposals should be submitted no later than Friday, September 12, 2025. After all proposals are reviewed, those whose proposals are accepted will be notified and receive details of the 2026 Altheimer Symposium no later than Monday, September 29, 2025.

Questions should be directed to the ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock Law Review Symposium Editor, Brooke Fudoli, at bsfudoli@ualr.edu.

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