SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE LEGAL STUDIES MINOR
Rob Blevins a Springfield native and Kickapoo High School alumnus, graduated last spring Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA from Missouri State University. He earned his BS in Professional Writing with a Legal Studies minor. Rob’s scholastic achievements are only a part of what distinguishes him. Rob Blevins is a Renaissance man, excelling at academics, sports and the vocal arts.
In high school, Rob was president of the Chess Club, a Student Council representative, a member of the Concert Choir and Madrigal (State-rated I soloist), a part-time employee at Sonic Drive-In and a member of the Spanish Club. Rob also excelled in athletics, competing in Track and Field and Varsity Football.
At Missouri State, Rob became a member of the Beartones, Missouri State’s award-winning all-male A Cappella singing group, during his freshman year. He continued to serve the Beartones by holding almost every position except for music director. This fall marks his second year as the president of the group. He says the Beartones have surpassed all expectations—except for their own; this last spring they were the fifth-highest-ranked A Cappella group in the world.
When asked why he majored in English, of all things, Rob smiles and says, “I get asked that a lot.” In high school, Rob decided to pursue a career in law. He actively sought the advice of practicing attorneys and asked them what they thought would best prepare him for law school and for practicing law. “They all gave me roughly the same answer: They said they read and write at least 80% of the workday, so I should work on bettering my English skills.” He shares this advice with others, now, but he adds his own advice into the mix: minor in legal studies. Rob says that his background in law and his ability to communicate that knowledge have put him well ahead of his competition.
At the beginning of the Spring 2008 semester, Rob accepted a position as a paralegal for Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton, P.C. Further adding to the legal excitement, he enrolled in a study of Contemporary Legal Issues (RIL 630) with Professor Stanley A. Leasure, who says, “Rob’s research and writing skills are exceptional; far beyond those ordinarily seen in someone at his stage. They will hold him in good stead in law school.” Rob also assisted Professor Leasure with legal research for an article on the law of arbitration, which has been accepted for publication in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review. During this time, he was also a member of the English Department Curriculum Committee, the Public Affairs Week Citizenship Committee, and a technical editing panel at Missouri State University.
Rob is continuing to pursue his master’s in English from Missouri State this fall and is currently serving as a graduate assistant for Provost Belinda McCarthy. After earning his master’s, Rob plans to seek admission to Northwestern School of Law in Chicago. We wish him the best of luck, and we know that whatever law school Rob chooses will be fortunate to have him as a student.