New Mississippi College Law Dean Wendy Scott Addresses Students

MC Law Orientation on the Clinton campus included 2nd-year students Samuel McKay of Philadelphia, MS, Melinda Meeson of Jackson, Ammie Nguyen of Pearl and Candace Bowen of Monroe, Louisiana. Nguyen received her bachelor's degree at Mississippi College. The three-day orientation for more than 150 first-year students concludes on the Clinton campus Wednesday.The four students pictured are among those serving as mentors to the new students.

Mississippi College School of Law is well-respected among lawyers, judges and other legal community leaders, new dean Wendy Scott says.

“No matter where you go, you will hear good things about MC Law,” Scott told just over 150 first-year law students at Tuesday’s orientation program.

People are also hearing good things about Scott, the first African-American law dean in Mississippi College history. She’s a former professor at North Carolina Central School of Law and at Tulane Law School in New Orleans.

This week marks Scott’s debut as the eighth dean at MC School of Law that joined the Baptist-affiliated university in 1975. The New York University Law School graduate succeeds Jim Rosenblatt, who served with distinction the past eleven years. The Natchez native went to work in August as a full-time professor on the downtown Jackson campus.

MC Law’s faculty, staff and students have worked hard for decades to build strong relationships with the legal community, Scott said.  “We have a dedicated faculty who have made our students outstanding.”

Expect the Scott era at MC Law to continue with its emphasis on legal reform, community service and stellar teaching, all hallmarks of Rosenblatt’s leadership for more than a decade, students say.

“It seems like she will carry on Dean Rosenblatt’s legacy pretty well and bring fresh ideas,” said second-year Melinda Meeson of Jackson.

At least one change is expected. Rosenblatt’s signature high fives to MC students, faculty and staff will be replaced in the new dean’s office. During her remarks, the Harvard graduate joked she might go with a fist bump. She gave a quick demonstration from the podium to draw smiles from Rosenblatt and others in the MC Law family.

“This is my first day hearing her speak and we are excited about having her,” says second-year law student Carolyn Lewis, 25, of Lucedale. “She’s real personable and a perfect successor to Dean Rosenblatt,” added the Mississippi State University graduate. Dean Scott has “got big shoes to fill, but I’m confident she can do it.”

MC President Lee Royce said he selected Scott earlier this summer after reviewing the credentials of several impressive finalists during a nationwide search. He predicts she will do an excellent job.

The Mississippi College School of Law, Scott said, has remained true to its mission to provide a superior education to students in a Christian environment.

“As you turn your attention to the rigors of law school, faculty and staff will work to ensure your success,” the new law dean told the students at Anderson Hall. “You are entering a noble profession…you are entrusted with the lives of the citizens of the community and the world.”

Judges and lawyers from around the Magnolia State speak to MC Law students as the orientation wraps up in Clinton Wednesday. The annual James O. Dukes Law School Professionalism Program is sponsored by the Mississippi Bar. The late James Dukes of Gulfport is a former Mississippi Bar president.