She sent the following letter to the law school listserv:

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With somewhat of a heavy heart, I will be leaving the law school and my position as Director of Professional Development and Pro Bono Programs. After over twelve years with the law school and six of those serving as Director, I have decided that a new career direction is appropriate for me at this time. I have been hired by Baker & Daniels to serve as their Manager of New Lawyer Hiring and I’m very excited about this new opportunity. My official last day with the law school will be Friday, March 10.

As I look back to six years ago, I’m very proud of what I have been able to accomplish as the Director of this office. When I started as Director the office had not been converted technologically at all – and now to see that almost all we do is electronic in nature is amazing. The staff size was one professional and an administrative person – we now have three professionals and a part-time administrative person. There was not a separate person overseeing the Pro Bono Program – we now have a professional over that area (LaWanda has done a tremendous job) and have seen the Pro Bono Program grow to wonderful levels of recognition nationally. I’m proud of all the programming I was able to initiate to hopefully serve our students and alumni in the best ways possible. I know that there is always more that could be done in the eyes of the student body – but with the number of staff we have I am proud of what we are able to achieve on a daily basis.

Of course, I did not do this on my own – I was fortunate to be able to retain wonderful team members especially LaWanda Ward, Chasity Adewopo, and Kristi Dietz who share the same vision of serving our student body and alumni base. I have also been privileged to serve under Deans who believed in me and what my vision for the office was and gave me complete control to do as I thought best – I will always be grateful for that opportunity. I am particularly thankful to Norm Lefstein for giving me the opportunity to prove myself as Director and Jonna MacDougall who served as my boss for many years during my first “go around” at the law school and taught me so much.

I will definitely miss my law school family – but will always have fond memories of the opportunities I was given and the wonderful friendships I made during my years here. It has been an honor to serve this law school, its student body and alumni base. I truly believe in this school and the students who attend here – and I wish all of you the very best in your future endeavors.

Take Care
Shannon :-)
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As the administration begins the process to hire a new director of the office of Professional Development, it is important that students and professors both give significant input on the direction they'd like the office to take.