President's Page, 0314 ALBJ, 75 The Alabama Lawyer 92 (2014)

• Author: Anthony A. Joseph J.

PRESIDENT'S PAGE

Vol. 75, No. 2, Pg. 92

Alabama Bar Lawyer

March, 2014

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0 Anthony A. Joseph J.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Dean John L. Carroll, Game Changer

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Game Changer

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0In recent years, a new term has been added to our lexicon. The term is "game changer." It is defined as "[a] newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way"¹

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Dean John L. Carroll will step down as dean of the Cumberland School of Law in July after serving in that capacity for over 13 years. That is noteworthy, as most deans only serve an average of about four years.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Dean Carroll came to the school with a sense of mission; he flourished because of the fruits of that effort, and he helped educate the next generation of lawyers. Simply stated, Dean Carroll assumed his position as a calling, and embraced it because of this passion.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0During his illustrious career, he has worn many hats, and borne many labels-lawyer, law professor, judge, mediator, arbitrator, dean, media commentator, triathlete, and friend to many. While he has been successful in each endeavor, his role as dean has been transformative, influential, and yes, game changing.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0The true measure of a dean rests with his understanding of the importance of a holistic view of the profession and the law school's role in preparing students to become a contributing part of that profession. Dean Carroll recently noted the correlation when he stated:

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0"The prevailing philosophy is simple: practical skills outweigh raw knowledge, and application transcends erudition. If the goal were to produce great law students, the tenets might be exactly the opposite. Our goal is to produce exceptional lawyers."²

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0That intent to impart knowledge, to provide practical skills, and develop exceptional practitioners has driven Dean Carroll in guiding and educating law students for over a decade.

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Vision

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0One of Dean Carroll's inspirational quotes is derived from the Book of Proverbs:³

\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0When there is no vision, the people perish.

...