Volume 12, lssue 4 "Turn 1t Up, Bring the Noise" Apri1 6, 2002
The Man Behind the Hawaiian Shirts
by Natalie Lucas
As a first-year law student, my stomach was tied in
knots as I approached the door to my first class on the first day of school. My
worst nightmares about law school professors were running through my mind. Vet,
rather than an intimidating drill sergeant, a smiling man wearing a Hawaiian
shirt entered the room. Surely, this could not be our professor? When he
introduced himself as Professor Tom Russell, I instantly felt a small surge of
optimism race through my nerves maybe law school won't be as terrifying as I had
thought! (Unfortunately, the feeling did not last through my next two classes.)
Professor Tom Russell is the most unique professor I have had in my twenty-two
years of schooling. His open, flexible, and enthusiastic teaching style has
encouraged me and, my fellow law students to work through the hard times to see
the light at the end of the tunnel.
Q: Why did you decide to take a permanent position at
D.U.?
A: This is my second year at D.U. I was supposed to be
a visiting professor at D.U. for one year then at C.U. for the second year.
When I was a visitor at D.U. last year I accepted the permanent position in
December of 2000. When I accepted the position, there, were three things I was
after. First, a school that was friendly to law and society work. D.U. has
invented the law and society association. Second, I wanted a school with very
good computers, which D.U. has. Lastly, I wanted a school that had minority
students. Last year, D.U. did not do so well in minority acceptance rates, hut
Mary Ricketson and Forrest Stanford have changed that. I left behind a job that
lacked these characteristics. I also, have very nice faculty colleagues,
which is a new experience for me. I am really enjoying being on the DU faculty
and I have no regrets about leaving Texas or C.U.
Q: What has attracted you to the field of education?
A: I'm an academic sort. Before I started teaching, I
was a Ph.D. student in history. I like teaching, and I like the relationship
between scholarship, teaching, and the real world.
Q: You seem to be taking an active role in Diversity
Awareness Week on campus. What are your feelings about diversity on D.U.'s
campus?
A: Under Mary Ricketson's leadership we are making
great gains in regards to diversity. Diversity among the students and the
faculty is essential for a sophisticated understanding of the law. One has to
talk about race when talking about American law-it applies across the
curriculum. It is
'really important. The
best" example of D.U.'s improvements is that 25% of the first-year class
are students of color. Before, D. U. was only in the 6%-8% range. Dean
Ricketson could have kept it in that range and made excuses, but she actually
delivered. Also, D.U. is hiring four new faculty members for next year, and
three are women of color. This is a remarkable achievement-they are, all
excellent teachers, fine scholars and have great credentials. They will be
great addition for the faculty and the students.
Q: You have a very, relaxed teaching style is there a
reason you don't believe in the Socratic method?
A: I don't think fear helps students to learn. I am
very interested in hearing from the students and hearing about their experiences.
Students won't share if they are not comfortable. I have always rejected fear
and intimidation. Teaching in a way' that makes students fearful is too easy.
Q: Where do you get
all your Hawaiian shirts?
A: I started teaching five or six years ago in
Hawaiian shirts after I went to Hawaii.
I liked Hawaii so much that I decided to buy some Hawaiian shirts. I used to teach in suits and ties in big
classes, but I don’t think it is necessary.
The Hawaiian shirts gets the students to relax although there is the
occasional student who thinks it is inappropriate to dress this way.
Q: Are you working on any special projects right
now?
A: I am co-authoring with Lawerence Fredman the
second edition of A History of American Law.
It is the leading legal history book.
Also, I am doing some scholarly work-public service connected with
restorative justice.
Q: What advice would you give to law students to
help them be successful in getting a job?
A: The most important skill is to communicate
effectively in writing and in speech.
This is more important than grades.
Second, learning to schmooze and network is a very important skill. Lastly, students should not needlessly narrow
their choices when they are seeking jobs.
Having a law degree expands one’s options. They should have the sense that they are more
powerful and capable when they work towards their degree.
Q: A little birdie told me you are celebrating a
very exciting birthday [40th!!!] this week-any exciting plans?
A: No, no special plans. I thought I would teach.