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John Montgomery smiles as he leans back in his chair and discusses
his return to being a full-time professor of law, focused on
teaching and scholarly pursuits. He talks easily of the challenge of
updating his knowledge of copyright law or how he handled a
difficult question in class. He is far more reticent when questioned
about his achievements during his tenure as dean of the School of
Law, a position that he left in the spring of 2003. He has moved on
to new pursuits and won’t dwell on the past. Nonetheless, he cannot
hide the impact he had on the school and its graduates.
When Montgomery stepped down as dean, he was the third
longest-serving dean in the country, with a tenure spanning 17
years. His term is regarded as a period of significant growth and
achievement for the school. Student scholarship flourished under
Dean Montgomery, as the number of law reviews housed at the law
school grew to its current total of five. He emphasized the
importance of professionalism; that emphasis will be carried on
through the Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough Center on
Professionalism, established during his term. During a period in
which state funds provided a gradually shrinking percentage of the
law school’s operating costs, he was tireless in seeking private
financial support to permit the school to not only sustain, but also
improve, its faculty and academic programs. As a result, the School
of Law’s endowment increased significantly. In recognition of his
many accomplishments, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in
2002.
Although Montgomery oversaw the improvement of the law school in
national rankings, he prefers to emphasize the enhanced quality of
education offered at USC. “Course coverage is more extensive,
students have a better understanding of ethics, values, and
professionalism, and their writing skills have improved,” he said.
“The most fulfilling part of my job was seeing students enter the
legal profession and become successful, respected members of the
community.”
He reflected on the importance of the deanship. “Being a dean is a
special job and a serious responsibility. It is right at the very
center of the legal profession. Legal education has vastly improved
over the past 20 years and is a direct reflection of the efforts of
law school deans across the country.”
Looking back, Montgomery cites daily contact with alumni and
friends of the law school as what he will miss most about being
dean. But looking ahead, he sees more growth for the School of Law.
“I am extremely supportive of this school, its progress, and Dean
Powell,” he said. “I look forward to watching it continue to grow
under new leadership.” |
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COMPLEAT LAWYER AWARDS |
| Mark your calendar for the
chance to see fellow alums and to honor those who have
significant accomplishments in the field of law. This year’s
Compleat Lawyer awards ceremony will be held on Oct. 8 at
the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbia. There will be a reception
at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7:30 p.m. For
more information, e-mail
nickerson@law.sc.edu or call Cyndi Nickerson at
803-777-6618. |
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