A Vibrant Community at the UND School of Law :
Dean Pappas looks to build on school ’ s strong support
By Kylie Blanchard , Clearwater Communications
Brian Pappas stepped into the role of Dean of the University of North Dakota ( UND ) School of Law in July with the drive to impact students and faculty and prepare law students to serve others in their future careers . “ My main goal is to build a strong and vibrant community of students , staff , faculty , alumni , lawyers , judges , and community members ,” he says . “ I want us to develop a shared vision that can drive us forward and enable us to reach our full potential . I also want to help people find their passion and innovate to do more than they thought possible .”
An Early Interest in Law
Pappas says he has always had an interest in law , government , and history . His grandfather and father worked in higher education , and his uncle , Ed Pappas , a lawyer for nearly 50 years , spurred his interest in the profession . “ He is someone I looked up to and he encouraged me to go into law and eventually mediation ,” he says . “ Ed was also a state bar president in Michigan , and he impressed upon me the value of service to the profession .”
Growing up primarily in Michigan , Pappas received a bachelor ’ s degree in political science and a master ’ s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan . He went on to receive a law degree from Wayne State University in Detroit , a masters of law in dispute resolution from the University of Missouri , and a doctoral degree in public administration from the University of Kansas . “ When I went to college , my mom decided to go back to school
Dean Brian Pappas at the same time to become a dentist ,” Pappas notes . “ That might be where I learned that it ’ s never too late to get more education .”
An Active Family
“ My wife , Debbie , is a speech pathologist who grew up in Topeka , Kan . We have three boys , Charlie ( 11 ), Ben ( 8 ), and Sam ( 4 ),” Pappas says , noting his family has happily transitioned into the Grand Forks community .
He notes , because of their Michigan roots , they are Michigan football fans and follow all the Detroit professional teams . “ We are big sports fans in my family ,” Pappas says . “ We like to play basketball , golf , and we are avid sports watchers as well . We are very excited for UND sports – football , basketball , and , of course , hockey .”
The Pappas family also enjoys traveling , often stopping to see state capitols . “ Bismarck is one of our favorites ,” he notes .
Career Focus
“ I have been a mediator since 2005 , and I do a lot of mediation training and mediating in all areas of law ,” says Pappas . “ I feel so fortunate to have found something I love .”
During his career , he notes he spent most of his time as a faculty
Pappas and his family , wearing the UND colors , are excited to be part of the school ' s vibrant community .
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