From the President and Dean

From the President and Dean

Before I share a sneak preview of the tremendous stories told within this issue of this year’s Albany Law magazine, I wanted to take a moment to formally introduce myself and share how grateful and elated I am to be your 19th President and Dean.

I come to Albany from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, most recently as Associate Dean for Faculty & Intellectual Life. My academic and professional journey has granted me countless opportunities and experiences. I’ve been fortunate enough to study and work alongside some incredible people throughout my career. It truly is the people that make the place, and I have learned over time that a strong community is the backbone to any successful institution.

In just a few months as President and Dean, I’ve seen the strength, passion, and power of the Albany Law School community. The commitment to this school’s excellence and growth is a true testament to the pride of our alumni and friends. I am so honored to be here and I look forward to learning many more stories, like the ones you’ll read in this magazine, in my travels to visit our alumni and I look forward to welcoming you back to campus on your next visit.

In this issue, you’ll meet more than a dozen graduates who have coupled military service with a legal career. Some are still juggling Army reserve schedules, courtroom appearances, and their kid’s schedules, like Mara Afzali ’17 and Javid Afzali ’12. Mara was also presented the Outstanding Young Alumni Award at this year’s Grand Honors Awards. Some have just started their military service, like Justin Reyes ’18, who felt a strong pull to serve the United States after a few years in private practice.
You’ll also learn more about our new Flex JD program. This new offering will allow students to earn a career-changing law degree while accommodating their schedule and personal and professional responsibilities. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of Flex JD students in August 2024.

You’ll also hear about the great work out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team has done to make connections with community organizations. Incoming students connect with one another during volunteer activities during Orientation and our pre-Orientation program, Lean Into Success, designed to allow our first generation students and/or students from historically underrepresented groups to gain a greater understanding of the law school environment.

The stories of Justin Miller ’97 and Gretel Ness ’93 illustrate the power and potential of an Albany Law School education. Miller and his wife have revitalized an entertainment venue, Lark Hall, bringing music, culture, and community to a previously vacant space in one of Albany’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Ness has spent her entire career helping people navigate the immigration process.

The people make this place special. We are so proud to celebrate their success at any stage of their careers, from passing the bar exam to retiring after decades of making a difference. I am tremendously inspired and moved by this community and I can’t wait to see what’s to come for this great school.
I look forward to meeting many more alumni and friends. For now, I hope you’ll enjoy these great stories.

Thank you.

CINNAMON P. CARLARNE

President and Dean