LORI ROGDE
"Never forget those on the margins."

Area of Service: Legal Clinics

Years of Service: August will be 19 years with the law school as Texas Wesleyan Law and Texas A&M Law combined.

What is your most recent accomplishment?

Getting two kids through college at Texas State and Texas A&M universities, while finishing up my two master's degrees in management, human resources and leadership AND working a full-time job.

Describe your law school tenure in three words.

Interesting
Changing
Fast-paced

What fuels Texas A&M’s recent rankings increase?

Quality faculty. Having faculty members who value those on the fringes and who teach our students to do the same fuel our success. Students who exhibit this character will go further, I think. It will and should create a better culture for all.

Do you have a favorite Texas A&M Aggie Core Value?

My favorite core value is leadership. Leadership is the core to most success, whether it is personal or in business. Families, companies, educational institutions, spiritual communities, friendships and more need sound leadership and direction. Leadership may even determine whether things fail or succeed.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am both, depending on the situation. If I am on a schedule, then I am an early bird and would rather get things done, get the day started early and get it completed so that I can relax and spend time with my loved ones. If I am not on a schedule and am in relaxation/vacay mode, then I'm definitely more of a night owl, and I will stay up as late as I want and sleep in.

What keeps you walking through the door at Texas A&M Law?

The students and our Clinic clients. The fact that we give back to others through the Clinics makes me proud. Before I worked directly with the Clinic program, I loved recruiting students because I helped them achieve a life-long dream and set them up to help others. Now, I am helping students give back while getting the real-world experience they need to be better advocates of the people--which is just icing on the cake.

I get to see the real work being done. I have the best view, and it's awesome where I sit!

What advice would you give to a Texas A&M Law graduate? What advice would you give to an admitted Texas A&M Law student?

To a Texas A&M Law graduate: Never forget those on the margins. Working in the Clinics, I am reminded daily of those who have little or nothing. It keeps me humble, and I am grateful for that reminder.

To the admitted student: Never underestimate the experience you can get by taking a Clinic. Seeing the work our students do is amazing! Not one student has ever said that he/she regrets taking a Clinic. Not one.

Who has influenced you the most when it comes to work?

My father. I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. My dad was a blue collar-worker and always worked hard no matter what. He made sure I knew the importance of getting an education.

Here are three takeaways:

• He taught me to never quit. I got my bachelor's degree later in life.
• Family and faith are important. Never turn your back on either.
• Learn to laugh at yourself.

Texas A&M School of Law continues to reset expectations, climbing to the 53rd ranked law school in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. "Our staff fuel the engine," says Dean Robert B. Ahdieh. Get the facts and learn more about the law school's journey.