Century-old South Texas College of Law Houston’s 11^th President and Dean Michael F. Barry has announced he will not seek reappointment to his leadership role when his term ends next summer.

Barry said he and his wife Lee made the decision together “after much thought and prayer.”

“The decision on when to leave a leadership position is never easy, and this decision is bittersweet,” Barry said. “For many reasons, however, my sense is this is the proper time. The law school is living its mission of diversity, opportunity, excellence, and service; is fiscally sound; is well-positioned for the next 100 years; and has strong board, faculty / academic dean, and administrative leadership. It is well positioned for its next leader.”

Board Chair Genora Boykins said, “The board greatly appreciates all Dean Barry has accomplished for the law school since his arrival in 2019, and we look forward to working with him and the South Texas Law community to build on the successes achieved under his leadership.”

In recent years, the law school South Texas has launched a number of new initiatives and important improvements, including an ABA-approved online J.D. program, the Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center, and a Legal Writing Center. Bar passage and career placement rates are at their highest in a decade, the advocacy program continues to be the envy of other law schools, and our Randall O. Sorrels clinical program has garnered two Texas Access to Justice Foundation awards in the last four years.

Boykins said the Board of Directors will establish a Search Committee to identify the law school’s next president and dean and to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Close to 600 South Texas College of Law Houston alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters celebrated the law school’s 100th anniversary Saturday night. The sold-out Centennial Gala exceeded expectations, raising nearly $750,000 to support student scholarships. A highlight was a performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee the Spinners.

“We are thankful to the many generous contributors for their support of our students and our law school,” said President and Dean Michael F. Barry. “The sole focus of the gala is student scholarships, and this is our largest fundraiser. The annual gala is tremendously important to our ability to bring an exceptional legal education within reach for dedicated students eager to study law.”

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz and Stogner was presenting sponsor for the gala. Two couples with strong ties to the law school — Karen and Roland Garcia ’86, and Jen and Brant Stogner, both class of ’06 — chaired the event. Roland Garcia is a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Brant Stogner is a partner at Abraham Watkins, and Jen Stogner is Of Counsel at Abraham Watkins and president of the STCL Houston Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The gala featured a film celebrating four second-year South Texas Law students: Davis Burns from Houston; Jaylan Sanders, originally from Macon, Ga.; Paola Vela from Mission, Texas; and Malik Wilson, part-time student from Houston.

Guests filled the lower and upper stories of the classic Corinthian. The special evening included a champagne toast to STCL Houston’s first 100 years — and to the next 100 years as well!

The Gala was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of September 24, 1923 — the official day classes began at South Texas 100 years ago.

Click here for more Centennial Reunion Week event photos.

Anyone wishing to donate to student scholarships at South Texas Law may do so at stcl.edu/give.

South Texas College of Law Houston conferred Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degrees to more than 240 graduates May 13 during the Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony at the George R. Brown Convention Center. STCL Houston, which is currently celebrating its 100^th anniversary, honored the graduates for their hard work, outstanding academic achievement, and their perseverance through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Congratulations on a job very well done,” said President and Dean Michael F. Barry. “As the graduates of 2023, you will forever be known as the ‘Centennial Class’ of South Texas College of Law Houston. I hope this distinction carries with it a special sense of pride for you — and a special sense of purpose. I am sure our founders would be proud of your persistence, commitment, and dedication, undeterred by the seemingly ever-changing landscape the global pandemic created. Because you persevered, I have the honor of proudly welcoming you today into the distinguished profession of law.”

Commencement speaker Nathan L. Hecht, Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court and the longest-tenured Texas judge in active service, delivered a commencement speech that congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments – and challenged the newly minted attorneys to foster innovations that will make the justice system more accessible to Texas citizens.

Justice Hecht also reminded the graduates of their role in preserving the rule of law, engaging in civil discourse, and maintaining our democracy using the art of persuasion. “Law school has enveloped you in a culture of persuasion, has shown you the power of ideas and words, and has given you the tools to use them,” Hecht said. “Now it’s your turn to take on the changes that will keep our justice system not only the best in the world, but the best in the history of the world.”

Taylor Leger, valedictorian of the graduating class, was an active and successful member of the law school’s award-winning Advocacy program. A second-career student, Leger achieved the highest grade in many of her classes, securing a spot on the Dean’s Honor List each semester. She won the Best National Brief Award at the prestigious New York City Bar’s 72^nd National Moot Court competition, and the Dean’s Outstanding Advocate Award.

Leger encouraged her fellow graduates to share their moment of triumph with all the people in their lives who were supportive of them throughout their law school experience. Her address included wishes for success and personal growth – particularly when that growth is the result of conflicts and difficulties.