Dean Alicia Ouellette: scholar, mentor, leader.

• Author: Queenan, Rosemary
• Position: Wrongful Convictions: Understanding and Addressing Criminal Injustice - Testimonial

I am honored to write this dedication to my close friend and colleague, Alicia Ouellette. As the second female and eighteenth dean of Albany Law School, Dean Ouellette joins the ranks of a long list of distinguished Albany Law School alumnae.

In the short time since she was appointed dean, it has been my privilege to watch Dean Ouellette lead the law school through the development and implementation of an exciting strategic plan that now serves as the design for the law school's future. The process was achieved, in large part, because of Dean Ouellette's unique ability to work collaboratively with various law school constituencies toward the united goal of developing a plan with a strong vision for the law school and her deep commitment to the law school's continued long-term success.

As a graduate of Albany Law School, Dean Ouellette has contributed to the law school in every capacity--as an engaged student, an active alumna, a beloved teacher, a renowned scholar, an effective administrator, and now, the school's leader. During law school, Dean Ouellette was elected Editor-in-Chief of the Albany Law Review. After graduation, she began her legal career as a confidential law clerk to the Honorable Howard Levine, former Judge of the New York Court of Appeals and one of her long-time mentors. She continued her career as an assistant solicitor general in the New York State Attorney General's Office, where she briefed and argued more than 100 appeals.

Dean Ouellette returned to Albany Law School as a professor in 2001, and was soon recognized as a talented teacher and gifted scholar. She is the recipient of both the Faculty Award for Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Service and the Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Scholarship Faculty Award. In her prior role as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Intellectual Life, Dean Ouellette focused her efforts on mentoring and supporting the work of her colleagues, frequently sharing the news of their scholarly achievements. Her support and mentorship extended to the student body, including many members of the Albany Law Review, whom she encouraged to take advantage of publishing opportunities.

It is particularly fitting that the Albany Law Review has dedicated this issue to Dean Ouellette. As a nationally recognized scholar in the field of bioethics, Dean Ouellette is the author of nearly thirty publications. Much of her work addresses legal issues centered on disability, gender...