East Central University’s Political Science and Legal Studies Department has a tremendous track record of getting its students accepted into law school.
Four current ECU students - Kaylin Cullum, Logan Harrison, Lauren Crudup and Maecey McClain – were recently accepted to a total of 10 law schools.
“Since 2010, 86 percent of our students have been accepted to more than 40 law schools across the country. In 2014, all seven applicants were accepted,” said Dr. Christine Pappas, director of ECU’s Political Science and Legal Studies Department.
Cullum, a political science major from Wetumka, was selected to be a Brad Henry Scholar which allowed her to study for a semester in Wales. She was also chosen to participate in the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship at the University of California-Berkley.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed to be a part of an amazing community of professors, attorneys and students,” said Cullum. “When I found a goal I wanted to achieve, Dr. Pappas and Dr. Owens didn’t say, “Okay, how are you going to get there?” It was: “Here’s how we are going to get you there.”
Cullum is planning for a career working with international non-profits and has accepted a scholarship offer at the New York Law School in New York City.
“Kaylin exemplifies the importance of public education in Oklahoma,” Pappas said. “She came to ECU with strong skills and a passion to learn. We were able to connect her with the opportunities that would allow her to blossom into a student who could compete with anyone in the country.”
Harrison, a native of Wagoner, plans to stay closer to home. As a legal studies major, Harrison received the benefit of being trained by attorneys in this American Bar Association Approved program. ECU’s Legal Studies program, under the direction of Dr. Jenna Owens, is the only one in Oklahoma with such a designation.
“The exposure I have had with the Political Science and Legal Studies Department has put me in a position to thrive in law school,” said Harrison. “I cannot wait to see what law school has in store for me,”
Harrison is considering both Oklahoma City University and the University of Tulsa.
Crudup, a native of Kansas City, Mo., enrolled at ECU with one thought in mind: law school. She declared as a legal studies major and joined the Presidential Leadership Class. As a senior, she was the captain of ECU’s first Mock Trial Team which practices in the state-of-the-art Hargrave Moot Court Room in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
“I feel confident with the legal foundation that I have obtained,” Crudup said. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
McClain, of Wellston, has been accepted to four law schools in California and has decided to attend Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego.
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