Page 19 - Briefcase Volume 37 Number 2

BAYNES RECOGNIZED AS NATIONAL AND STATEWIDE LEADER IN

LEGAL EDUCATION FOR DIVERSITY

For his efforts to diversify law school applicants and make the legal “The recipients of this year’s CLEO Edge awards are dynamic examples
profession more inclusive, Dean Leonard M. Baynes was the recipient of diversity and inclusion,” added Cassandra Sneed Ogden, Chief
of three awards from Executive Officer of CLEO.
nationally-recognized “These characteristics are
organizations. important to CLEO, the legal
Baynes was named a profession and our nation. We
Diversity Champion by the believe that these nine leaders
National Diversity Council appreciate and value diversity in
in October. The non-profit all its forms.”
organization advocates for Lastly, Baynes received the
inclusive workforces through John Mercer Langston Legal
consulting, education, Education Leadership Award
programs and training. during the 15th Annual National
“I am delighted to be Black Pre-Law Conference and
recognized with this Law Fair 2019 in November
award,” Baynes said. “My held at Columbia Law School.
achievements are shared The purpose of the National
with the efforts of the Law Black Pre-Law Conference
Center’s fabulous faculty, is to provide resources and
alumni, staff and students. Law Fair is to, provide a high-
Together we make the Law Dean Leonard M. Baynes quality, comprehensive national
Center a place of extraordinary event designed specifically for
diversity and inclusion.” aspiring black lawyers, and to provide them with access to empowering
In November, Baynes was given a CLEO Edge award from the Council information, resources, and contacts that will assist them.
on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. Baynes was among a small group On a local level, Baynes was acknowledged for contributions to the
of outstanding leaders recognized in the areas of education, diversity local bar and legal education at the Spouses of Houston Barristers 2019
and greater equality. Scholarship Gala on Nov. 9, and The Texas Association of Diversity

“CLEO is one of the premier organization ensuring that there is a steady Officers in Higher Education commended the Law Center with a
pipeline of students from underrepresented backgrounds into the legal Diversity and Inclusion Excellence and Achievement plaque on Nov. 14
profession,” Baynes said. “Making sure that we pave the way forward for in Austin.
those who follow us is very important to me.”

ASSOCIATE DEAN TENNESSEE PRAISED FOR OUTSTANDING

STUDENT SERVICE

Sondra Tennessee, associate dean of Alumni and Community Relations,
has been unanimously selected as the recipient of the Association of
American Law Schools’ Peter N. Kutulakis Student Services Award.
The accolade is awarded by the AALS Student Services Committee to
recognize administrators and law teachers for excellence in service to
students.
Tennessee has worked at the Law Center for more than 20 years,
previously serving as an Assistant Dean of Admissions and the Associate
Dean of Student Affairs. Throughout her career, she has been a leader
in the Law School Admission Council, a member of the American Bar
Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs, past-chair
of the AALS Section on Part-Time Programs, and has served on other
boards and committees. Associate Dean Sondra Tennessee

law.uh.edu 19