Professor Higgins Honored by Missouri Lawyers Media

Associate Professor Robin Jefferson Higgins will be honored by the legal news service Missouri Lawyers Media in August with a Diversity & Inclusion Award. Higgins is being recognized for her more than two decades of work bringing diverse voices into the legal studies program at Webster University and for encouraging a diverse selection of students to enter the field of law.

The award recognizes attorneys, judges, firms and organizations that advance diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people in Missouri’s legal profession and in communities in which exceptional legal work impacts justice for all. 

"True excellence relies upon and compels inclusion, a commitment that Robin Jefferson Higgins exemplifies in her distinguished career of leading Webster's ABA-approved Legal Studies program,” said Webster University Chancellor Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. “As chair of the department, she has led a diverse team of academics and practitioners to achieve the rare status and recognition of the American Bar Association for a bachelor's level program.

"The diverse group of students who enter the legal profession as a result are well-prepared to assure Webster's ongoing legacy of removing the barriers to success. Dr. Higgins' partnerships with community-based organizations such as Links, Inc., reflect her and the department's engagement with significant regional issues and concerns."

The honorees for this annual award are selected by a committee of legal and bar association leaders from throughout Missouri who review nominations of dozens of people in the legal profession. 

She was nominated by Legal Studies Professor Anne Geraghty-Rathert, who, in a letter to the media organization, said Higgins has “tirelessly recruited, mentored, and supported students of color and first-generation students who then enter the legal profession as both paralegals and lawyers; the impact of this on the legal system and on issues of justice and equity cannot be understated.  Her support of students through the years has resulted in a very large group of people entering the professional legal community who may not have otherwise considered and been supported in this career path.”

“This award is so richly deserved -- Robin is absolutely the embodiment of all this award stands for, given her tireless devotion to her students and the community for all of these years,” Geraghty-Rathert said after learning Higgins would receive the award. “I am thrilled beyond measure that she is receiving this recognition, but also so humbled and honored that I have been able to benefit from all that she is as a person. Truly, Robin is one of the best people I have ever known.”

Webster University Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vincent C. Flewellen agreed, adding that Higgins’ impact has had a lasting impact on the University.

“Robin has supported a diverse group of students who are contributing to systemic changes within the legal system,” Flewellen said. “They are the next generation of legal scholars who are fighting for a more equitable legal system, one that does not judge people on the basis of their skin color or background.”

A virtual awards ceremony will be held on Aug. 17. For more information about the awards, visit the Missouri Lawyers Media website.