UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW

MAY 6, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 15

162nd University of Arizona Commencement

May 16

College of Law Convocation

May 20

Next Era Reception

Greetings,

This week we feature Master of Legal Studies student (and soon-to-be graduate) Carol Nigut, who at age 73 is embarking on a new career. Over the coming weeks, you will read here about other members of the Class of 2026 who we will be celebrating at graduation in a little over a week.

Looking ahead, I also would like to personally invite students, alumni, friends and supporters of the College of Law to meet me in Scottsdale on May 20 at the Next Era Reception, where I will share more about my vision and priorities for our college and spend time with our Phoenix-area community.

Read on,

Jason

FEATURE

Retirement? This U of A Grad’s Plan is Law School

For the better part of a year, Carol Nigut, a Master of Legal Studies student at Arizona Law, resisted the urge to explore a Juris Doctor program.

“I don’t want to work that hard,” Carol told her professors for much of 2025, shrugging off the idea that she would try to become an attorney.

Reluctance might be a theme for Carol’s past — but resistance to hard work is not. Her comment belies what she’s already accomplished in a life that’s demanded resilience and fostered a hunger to learn. It also panned out to be untrue.

Carol, who will graduate with a Master of Legal Studies in May, is now weighing at least one offer, with a scholarship, from a Juris Doctor program in San Diego, and she hopes for more. At 73 years old and retired from careers in airlines, employee assistance counseling and real estate, she is finding new purpose in pursuing yet another career, in the law.

“It’s taken me a long time to come into my own, and I think a lot of that had to do with being buffeted by life,” Carol said. “There’s something in me that impels me to keep moving forward over and over again. Being in law school feels as if it’s where I should have been all along.”

See the full story for more about Carol’s journey toward law school.

FROM THE COLLEGE

Meet Dean Kreag in Scottsdale and Kick Off the Next Era

Last month, the University of Arizona announced that Jason Kreag has been appointed as the next dean of Arizona Law. On May 20, we are celebrating the beginning of Dean Kreag’s tenure at the helm of Arizona Law with the Next Era Reception in Scottsdale:

Event: The Next Era Reception

When: Wed., May 20, 2026, 5–7 p.m. (MST)

Where: University of Arizona Scottsdale Center, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Come connect with alumni and friends of Arizona Law and hear Dean Kreag share his vision and priorities for the Next Era of James E. Rogers College of Law.

RSVP

Chris Gast Receives U of A Award of Excellence

The University of Arizona recently recognized Arizona Law Senior Director of Student Resources and Professor of Practice Chris Gast with its Award of Excellence.

Each year, the university presents Awards of Excellence to employees who go above and beyond in their positions. Chris and eight others — out of nearly 10,000 university employees — received the award during a ceremony April 23.

Associate Clinical Professor of Law Sylvia Lett nominated Chris, and surprised him with the award announcement during a recent staff meeting (pictured below).

A 2013 graduate of Arizona Law, Chris has built his career around supporting students and strengthening the law school community. His work includes developing the First Circuit program for first-generation law students, expanding student advising and leadership support, improving student communications and helping create a culture of connection, gratitude and collaboration across the College of Law.

Congratulations, Chris!

Three Arizona Law Students to Lead National Native Student Association

Students from Arizona Law and other schools at the NNALSA annual conference

Three Arizona Law students have been elected to the board of the National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA).

During the NNALSA annual conference in April, Damon Clark (’27) was elected president, Abigial Nevers (’27) was elected secretary and Breanne Harvey (’27) was elected scholarships and grant coordinator. They will serve, along with other members of the eight-member board, during the 2026–27 term.

NNALSA was founded in 1970 to support law students who are interested in the study of federal Indian law, tribal law and traditional forms of governance. The group provides mentorship, scholarships and programming to support students, and helps organize the NNALSA Moot Court competition. Over the years, Arizona Law students have served on various board positions, including upcoming College of Law Convocation student speaker Renee Redshirt, who is the 2025–26 NNALSA vice president.

IN THE NEWS

‘When You Think of It, We Shouldn’t Even Have an Election’

New York Times, quoting Shalev Roisman

Law Librarians Have a Plan for AI. The Publishing of Legal Practitioners Is Not In It.

Real Lawyers Have Blogs, citing Cas Laskowski

Do You Have News?

Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.

Share Your News Here

Instagram, @uarizonalaw

At Arizona Law, our students remain the center of all we do. From Carol pursuing a new chapter through legal education to Damon, Abigial and Breanne taking the lead on the national stage, our students demonstrate the talent and ambition that define this college. We are fortunate to have faculty and staff like Chris Gast who are deeply committed to supporting our students every step of the way.

Onward,