Cynthia Nance, dean of the U of A School of Law and the Nathan G. Gordon Professor of Law, has been elected to serve a one-year term as president of the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers (CLEL) Board of Governors.

Provost Terry Martin extended his congratulations stating, "Dean Nance's election to this esteemed role is a tremendous honor. She is a highly respected attorney, an exceptional leader and a distinguished faculty member. Her contributions have strengthened the University of Arkansas School of Law, and I have no doubt that she will make a lasting impact as president of this prestigious organization."

The CLEL is a distinguished professional association that recognizes the nation's foremost labor and employment law practitioners and academics. Its fellows are acknowledged for their excellence, professionalism, and contributions to the field, setting high standards of civility and serving as valuable resources for academia, government, the judiciary and the broader legal community. Election to the College is regarded as one of the highest professional honors in the field.

CLEL Executive Director Susan Wan expressed her enthusiasm for Nance's leadership, stating, "I am excited to collaborate with Dean Nance as we implement the newly approved strategic plan. Her energy, enthusiasm, and vision will be instrumental in fostering growth and engagement throughout her tenure as president."

A nationally recognized leader in labor and employment law, Nance serves on the American Bar Association (ABA) Board of Governors, having represented the Labor and Employment Law Section in the ABA House of Delegates for over a decade. She also holds leadership roles in Arkansas, serving on the Arkansas Public Broadcasting Commission and the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame Board.

Nance's extensive contributions to legal education and the profession include chairing both the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Labor and Employment Law and the AALS Employment Discrimination Section. Additionally, she served as chair of the American Bar Foundation Fellows and as editorial officer of the Arkansas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the AALS Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lifetime Achievement Award, the ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service in the Western District of Arkansas. Her accolades also include the ABA Spirit of Excellence Award, the Arkansas Bar Association Outstanding Lawyer-Citizen Award and the Arkansas Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP) Justice Robert L. Brown Community Support Award.

Nance's election as CLEL president reflects her exceptional contributions to labor and employment law and her commitment to advancing the legal profession through leadership, mentorship and service. She is the first law professor and woman of color to serve in the role.

---

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.