Dean's Cabinet Formed to Fuel Mission

Aug. 2, 2021

Ten of Toledo Law's most accomplished alumni and rising stars have assembled into a new advisory group known as the Dean's Cabinet.

"The College of Law has been steadily improving in almost every core measure of success for more than half a decade," explained Dean Ben Barros. "We're in a great position to build on that success. To reach our full potential, though, we need the collective wisdom and perspectives from alumni who have proven they know how to turn a Toledo Law education into incredible careers."

Cabinet members include chair A. Louis Denton '83, president and CEO of Borer Denton & Associates, Inc.; Julia Bates '76, Lucas County prosecutor; Mui-Ling Dong '92, law clerk for Lucas County Court of Common Pleas; Myron Duhart '96, Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals judge; Ken Martin '90, retired partner with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Nykolas McKissic '17, associate at Polsinelli; Duff Milkie '91, former general counsel and executive vice president of business development for Cedar Fair L.P.; Ed Ruckert '75, retired partner at McDermott Will & Emery; Nicholas Wittenberg '11, associate vice president at Deloitte Government & Public Services; and Connie Zemmelman '81, recently retired Lucas County Juvenile Court judge.

The cabinet's primary charge is to support the growth of the college and advance its national reputation. In addition to advising the dean, the cabinet will also play an important philanthropic role. Each cabinet member has made a significant financial commitment to the college that sets an example for other Toledo Law alumni and friends to follow. Moreover, they will help identify potential financial supporters for the college's strategic initiatives.

"I hear all the time from alumni that they wouldn't have had their successful careers if it wasn't for Toledo Law. They regularly tell me they would hold the education that they received here up against those of much more prestigious schools," Dean Barros remarked. "That's what Toledo Law is about: creating great opportunities and preparing our students to seize them. The degree to which we can accomplish that mission is determined largely by the availability of resources and the engagement of our Toledo Law community. The Dean's Cabinet is helping us grow in both of those areas."

The Dean's Cabinet will meet three times a year with opportunities outside scheduled meetings to assist with fundraising, student recruiting, faculty recruiting, student mentoring, and strategic networking.

"I can't begin to thank our cabinet members enough for the commitment they've demonstrated to the college and, most importantly, to the students we serve," Dean Barros commented. "With this group and those I hope will join us in the future, I have no doubt that Toledo Law will continue to thrive and provide great opportunities for our students."