Welcome to the Office of Student Affairs & Diversity

The Office of Student Affairs and Diversity (OSAD) welcomes you to another safe and inclusive space at Louisville Law. We believe in transparency, inclusivity, academic excellence and wellness. We embrace the changes that allow us to think of innovative ways to engage our students. The OSAD supports the Cardinal Principles and anti-racist agenda set forth by the University of Louisville.

This office is dedicated to helping students develop a strong platform for student success and wellness. We offer support, organizational leadership opportunities and guidance while facilitating meaningful relationships among students, faculty, and staff.

Image: Signature, Crystal Coel
Crystal Rae Coel, Esq., M.A.

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity

Student Spotlight

Nic Bushong

(he/him/his)

Class of 2024

Hometown: Somerset, KY

What I like about Brandeis/Law School: I enjoy learning in and of itself. I particularly enjoy how the method of lecture and learning in law school is collaborative, with an emphasis on in-class discussion. Seeing the wide variety of perspectives and ways of analyzing information my peers bring to the table has helped me develop a more complete understanding of information both newly presented and previously learned. 

Career Goals: I intend to practice in more than one field, but with a heavy emphasis on family law and fields of law that overlap with it. 

Who has influenced me the most: Prior to law school, my mother was undoubtedly my biggest influence. When I was young, she often worked two or three different jobs at a time to provide for my brother and me. This imparted on me the work ethic necessary to make it to law school. Since having arrived, I would be remiss if I did not mention the immensely positive influence two peers in particular, Norma Redman and Cookie McGeeney, have had on my life both at school and outside of it. 

Favorite Quote: "We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers." - Bayard Rustin

See past honorees.

Student Spotlight

Allie Just

Class of 2024

My hometown is Louisville, Kentucky.

My favorite thing about law school: Generally, I have enjoyed meeting and being surrounded by people who are passionate about learning and helping others. My favorite experience at Brandeis was participating in the Ackerson Mediation Clinic doing family law mediations every Friday my 2L year.

Career Goals: I will be doing transactional work for Frost Brown Todd in their Louisville office upon graduation,

Greatest Influence: My brother, Dillon, has influenced me the most. He has always challenged my beliefs and has encouraged me to keep learning and growing as a person. I would not have my passion for learning nor advocacy without him.

Favorite Quote: "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do." -- Brené Brown

See past honorees.

 

Inclusive Excellence

Geena Roque

Class of 2024

Why Brandeis? I always knew I wanted to help people and the best way to do that is by learning the law, and how to effect change through it. I chose Brandeis because it is a small and very close community, and there is a lot of diversity which was very important to me.

What have you learned since your 1L year? I have learned how to manage my time better, I am no longer afraid of being cold called in class, and my networking skills are improving.

Read more about Geena

See past honorees.

A Salute to the Unbroken

Recognizing our active military and veteran students.

  

Shalonte Branham

Class of 2026

What are you most proud of as a member of the service? 
My proudest accomplishment as a military member is the resilience and courage I have cultivated. 

Why do you want to be a lawyer? 
I aspire to be a lawyer to serve my community and administer justice with empathy and fairness." 

What do you like most about Brandeis? 
I appreciate the tightly-knit community at Brandeis. It is a place where everyone seems to know someone who can help you pursue your goals and dreams." 

Read more about Shalonte

See past honorees.