Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law welcomed a new cohort of students to campus May 17–23 for the second annual Cumberland Connection Program, an immersive introduction to law school and the legal profession.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the weeklong program provides undergraduate students—particularly those who may not have prior exposure to the legal field—with early access to the tools, relationships and insights that support success in legal education. This year’s cohort included 25 students from 22 universities across the country who came to campus to explore legal concepts, engage with faculty and alumni, and gain confidence in their path toward a legal career.
“This program is beneficial to students who don’t know anything about law school, how to apply or what it’s like being an attorney,” said Bianca Evans, director of community outreach at Cumberland School of Law. “We give them an opportunity to be exposed not only to the curriculum, but also to the culture here at Cumberland School of Law.”
Blake Hudson, dean of Cumberland School of Law, said the program opens doors for students who may not have otherwise seen themselves in law school.
“Through hands-on learning and meaningful mentorship, they begin to understand not only what law school requires, but that they have a place here,” Hudson said.
Students participated in classes led by Cumberland faculty, took part in advocacy exercises and connected with practicing attorneys across a range of legal fields. Many of those attorneys shared their own nontraditional paths to law school, reinforcing the program’s mission of expanding access and opportunity. Sessions focused on leadership development, professional skills and practical guidance for navigating the law school application process.
Mentorship remained a central component of the experience in Cumberland Connection’s second year. Students were paired with current Cumberland law students and alumni, forming relationships designed to provide ongoing guidance as participants continue their academic journeys.
For many in the second cohort, the experience was affirming and transformative.
“I’ve learned so much about the legal process and what it’s like to be in law school,” said George Jones IV, a recent graduate of Mississippi State University. “Coming here has defined my decision, and I know I’m definitely interested in law school now.”
Cole Bridges, a rising sophomore at Jacksonville State University, credited the program for “immersing you in law school to help you figure out what it is and see if you would be a good fit.”
The program is made possible through the continued generosity of Cumberland School of Law alumni and donors, whose support funds sponsored scholar seats and expands access to students from a wide range of backgrounds. This year’s cohort of sponsored scholars includes:
- Kristen Akins | University of Tennessee | Friedman, Dazzio & Zulanas Scholar
- Gabriel Beasley | Lipscomb University | Samford Scholar
- Coleman Bridges | Jacksonville State University | Cumberland Law Scholar
- Maira Ceballo Vasquez | Montclair State University | Samford Scholar
- Natalya Cobb | Howard University | Leonard Baynes Scholar
- Christopher David | University of Florida | Bob Stropp Scholar
- Hudson Floyd | University of North Texas | Sean Modjarrad Scholar
- Lauren Franks | Samford University | Bradley Arant Scholar
- Emma Hankey | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Scott & Patti Simpson Scholar
- Keyasia Hicks | University of Alabama | Marvin Wilson Scholar
- Zoey Hollis | Auburn University | Mann & Potter Scholar
- Viktoria Huerta | University of Alabama | John Carroll Scholar
- Kayla Jones | North Carolina A&T State University | Sodoma Scholar
- George Jones IV | Mississippi State University | Samford Scholar
- Meira Lynch | Miles College | Samford Scholar
- Naomi Madison | Morgan State University | Samford Scholar
- Karrington Manley | Tulane University | Samford Scholar
- Jasmin Prothro | Alabama A&M University | Cumberland Law Scholar
- Monet Ruiz | University of Florida | Samford Scholar
- Ana Ruiz | Jacksonville State University | Cumberland Law Scholar
- Anne Reeves Skinner | Samford University | Frank Buck Scholar
- Simon Thomas | Wheaton College | Jeremy Counseller Scholar
- Jonah Watson | Florida State University | Orlando Health Scholar
- Gavin Wood | Troy University | Judge James Blanchard Scholar
- McKenzie Wright | Austin Peay State University | Samford Scholar
With two successful cohorts completed, the Cumberland Connection Program is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the law school’s efforts to broaden access to legal education. By equipping students—especially those without a family history in the legal profession or who have faced financial barriers—with mentorship and encouragement, the program is helping shape a more inclusive future for the legal field.
