Five prominent professors are leaving behind a tremendous legacy at Georgia State Law. Steven Kaminshine, Mary Radford, Charity Scott, Doug Yarn and Julian Juergensmeyer are all retiring in 2020. Together, the professors have contributed more than 150 years of service to the College of Law. Here, they discuss the school’s growth and what’s next for them.
What changes has Georgia State Law undergone during your time with the institution?
Professor Radford: When I joined the faculty in 1984, we all knew that excellent teaching and dedication to serving our students was to be our main focus. As we became more established in the academic world, more demands were placed on faculty members to produce scholarship that make substantial contributions to our respective areas of the law. Today, we continue to attract high-powered faculty members who bring a balanced combination of intellectual strength and devotion to students.
Professor Scott: When I first was hired, all the faculty fit around a conference table for faculty meetings, and there were definitely growing pains as we tried to define our respective roles and help shape the school’s identity and mission. Now the school hosts premier centers of excellence that attract students from across the country and scholars from around the world, and with them have come significant expansions of the curriculum and scholarship.
What are your hopes for Georgia State Law moving forward?
Professor Kaminshine: I think the two most important things looking outward for the future of the College of Law is, the vital importance of talented faculty hiring to meet the challenges of the times, and the equally vital importance of making sure the educational program keeps abreast of the real needs of the practicing bar and not needs that are old and replaceable.
What are your plans for retirement?
Professor Yarn: I expect to continue my behavioral research and scholarship into retirement; however, I will now have the flexibility to pursue my long-standing dream of sailing the Great Loop and playing the bagpipes, maybe concurrently. I may accept a few arbitrations and mediations, but I’m still looking for the best way to serve at this stage of life. Don’t hesitate to send me suggestions!
Professor Juergensmeyer: I have two books and a law review article to finish, teaching obligations in Brazil, Turkey and Denmark, work as a federal court special master to complete, a flower garden to plant in Poland, 72 operas to watch, beach walks with our dogs, and then Ewa and I are moving to Provence to raise lavender. Oh yes, I forgot, I have to clean out my office. Anyone have a match?