Simmons, Smith Elected Outstanding Faculty/Staff by Class of 2012

Ric Simmons

Professor Ric Simmons was elected the Morgan E. Shipman Outstanding Professor by the graduating class of 2012. In the 2011-2012 year, Simmons taught Evidence, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and the Prosecution Practicum.

“I have always thought of the law as a calling rather than just a career. Lawyers are different from other people: They approach problems with critical-thinking skills; they see issues from multiple perspectives; they have a sense of professional ethics that requires them to treat all parties fairly; and they are tasked with solving the most serious problems that people might have,” Simmons said. “I felt that when I became a lawyer I was joining a select group of individuals who serve an important, honorable role in society, and I hope that this year’s graduating students will feel that as well.”

Simmons was also named the University’s prestigious Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in February.

Monte Smith, assistant dean for academic affairs, was elected Outstanding Staff Member for the fourth year in a row.

“What I enjoy most are the one-on-one interactions with students,” Smith said. “I feel like I should be giving them an award, not the other way around.”

In total, more than 50 awards were given to students during the Hooding Ceremony and the Honors Convocation, which was held earlier in the day. Notably, the class as a whole performed more than 14,000 pro bono legal volunteer hours.