The University of Baltimore School of Law is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of its faculty and staff this year. From nationally recognized scholarship to community impact awards, the 2025–26 academic year brought an abundance of recognition that reflects the depth of talent, dedication, and purpose that is woven into the fabric of our law school community.
From university-wide awards and national recognitions to honors celebrating classroom
innovation and community impact, this year's recipients exemplify the many ways UBalt
Law advances its mission to prepare lawyers who serve, lead, and make a difference.
Several members of the law school community received some of the University System
of Maryland's highest honors this academic year.
Professor of Law and Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law, Nienke
Grossman received the Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing her distinguished record of leadership and engagement beyond the classroom. Professor of Law John Bessler earned the Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship or Research for his significant contributions to legal scholarship, and Regents Professor of the University System of Maryland and Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law, Mortimer Sellers, received the Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, honoring his longstanding dedication to students and legal education.
The law school also celebrated two faculty members whose careers have left a lasting
impact on the institution. Professor José Anderson, Dean Joseph Curtis Professor, was recognized with the President’s Faculty Award,
presented annually to an individual faculty member who reflects the University of
Baltimore faculty’s highest standards in teaching, research, scholarship, and service.
Selected through a nomination process led by the deans and the Office of the Provost,
the award recognizes excellence across teaching, scholarship, creative activity, and
service to the University community.
Professor Angela Vallario, J.D. ‘91 was honored with the Distinguished University Professor, the highest academic rank
that can be bestowed upon a tenured faculty member at UBalt. It recognizes excellence
in scholarship, teaching, and service, and its transformative impact on one’s field
and profession, as well as meaningful contributions to the well-being of Baltimore
City and the State of Maryland.
Provost Ralph Mueller noted during commencement that the honorees exemplify "what it means to be fully committed to purpose, to their work, and to those they serve."
UBalt Law's annual faculty awards highlighted the breadth of excellence across the
school's academic community.
Professor Robert Rubinson received the Legal Scholarship Excellence Award, recognizing a body of work that continues to influence legal education nationwide. His co-authored Professional Responsibility textbook has become a leading resource for law schools across the country and reflects his commitment to making complex legal issues accessible and relevant.
Professor Shanta Trivedi earned the Public Legal Discourse Award for her ability to connect legal scholarship
with public conversation. Through public presentations, publications, conferences,
and her leadership of the Center for Families, Children and the Courts, Trivedi has
demonstrated the important role legal scholars can play in addressing pressing social
issues.
Professor Afton Cavanaugh received the Faculty Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment
to the law school community. Whether supporting curricular innovation, contributing
to bar success initiatives, mentoring colleagues, or serving on key committees, Cavanaugh's
impact can be felt across the institution.
Professor Ioanna Tourkochoriti was honored with the Saul Ewing Award for Outstanding Transactional Law Teaching for her exceptional instruction in International Business Transactions. Her growing influence within UBalt Law's transactional law curriculum has been reflected in both student enthusiasm and increased enrollment. Teaching excellence was further celebrated through awards recognizing faculty whose dedication to students extends beyond traditional instruction.
Professor Matthew Sipe received the award for Outstanding Teaching by a Full-Time Faculty Member, recognized
for his engaging classroom presence and commitment to student success. Professor Sipe
also won the award for teaching and mentoring given by the law students themselves,
the Student Bar Association’s James May Award. Professor Vincent Guida received the award for Outstanding Teaching by an Adjunct Faculty Member, bringing
practical experience, mentorship, and professional insight into the classroom. Professor
Anne-Marie Carstens won the student-nominated Excellence in Teaching Award given by the University’s
Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, and Technology.
Associate Dean for Administration Joy Gaslevic, J.D. ‘99 received the University of Baltimore Staff Recognition Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Mission of the University. Her leadership was instrumental in developing the UBalt Law Strategic Plan 2025–2030, guiding an inclusive process that engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners in shaping the law school's future. Aubrey Edwards-Luce, Executive Director of the Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families, Children and the Courts, received the Staff Award for Extraordinary Public Service to UBalt and the Greater Community. Through her work advancing child welfare reform, youth justice initiatives, legislative advocacy, and trauma-informed education, Ms. Edwards-Luce has become a leading voice for equity and justice in Maryland.
Katrice Williams was honored with the 2026 Rose McMunn Distinguished Service Staff Award. Throughout
her years of service, she has consistently gone above and beyond to support colleagues,
students, and institutional initiatives. Her contributions have helped strengthen
the culture and operations of the law school, making a lasting impact on the community
she serves.
The Student Bar Association honored Abraham Rodriguez, Student Activities Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs, with its annual Staff Mentoring Award. Through his dedication to supporting and developing student leaders, he has made a lasting impact on the law school community. His commitment to fostering leadership, engagement, and professional growth plays an important role in preparing UBalt Law students to become leaders in the legal profession.
Aubrey Edwards-Luce was named a Justice Champion by The Daily Record and the Maryland State Bar Association
as part of the 2026 Leaders in Law program. The honor reflects her career-long commitment
to improving outcomes for children and families and advancing justice through both
policy and practice.
Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment Management Michelle Gunter received the 2025 Unsung Hero Award from the Association of American Law Schools
Section (AALS) on Pre-Law and Admission to Law School. The award recognizes individuals
who have made exceptional contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access
within legal education.
Associate Director of Public Interest and Externships Elizabeth Solar received the Career Achievement Award from the AALS and CLEA Externships Awards Committee. The recognition celebrates a distinguished career dedicated to experiential legal education and student development.
Heather Warnken, Executive Director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform, received multiple
honors recognizing her leadership and advocacy. She was celebrated for her contributions
to community violence prevention and criminal justice reform and received the Champion
of Justice Award from the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. Through her research,
public engagement, and legislative advocacy, Warnken has emerged as one of Maryland's
leading voices for justice reform. She also received an impact award for extraordinary
contributions to the Community Violence field. Heather Warnken has become one of Maryland’s
clearest and most fearless voices for justice reform and human dignity.
This year's recognitions bring distinction to the University of Baltimore School of
Law. They reflect a community where scholarship and teaching inform the practice of
law, community advocacy transforms lives, service strengthens institutions, and public
engagement advances justice.
