ACADEMIC SUCCESS PROGRAM

students general study

Memphis Law offers an Academic Success Program (ASP) for first-year and upper-level students.

First Year Students

The Academic Success program helps students get off to a strong start with a required class (worth 1 credit each semester in the fall and spring of the 1L year) that teaches foundational skills and variety of resources that are essential to success in their first year of study.

First-year ASP consists of three components: asynchronous modules, synchronous class sessions, and one-on-one tutorials. The asynchronous modules and synchronous class sessions begin early in the fall and assist students in areas such as class preparation, case briefing, study skills, and exam preparation. The program director and other ASP faculty present some of the basic skills needed for success at Memphis Law.

One-on-one tutorials are offered to first-year students who have questions concerning their classes or want to improve their study skills. Tutorials are conducted in individual meetings led by highly accomplished upper-level students called Dean's Fellows.

Upper-Level Students

The ASP program is also available to upper-level students. Students can meet with Dean Aden, Director of the Academic Success Program, or with Professors Carina Fung and DeShun Harris to seek assistance. In addition, students can also meet with the Dean's Fellows for help with study skills, exam prep, outlining, etc. The program is free and is open to all upper-level students.

Dean's Fellows

Alexis Gwynn

I am Alexis Gwynn, a non-traditional 2L here at Memphis Law. I am a born and raised Memphian. Prior to Law school, I attended Vanderbilt University where I earned bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience and Spanish. Additionally, I earned two master’s degrees at other schools and later returned to Memphis and worked as a middle school STEM teacher. As a 1L, I was in section 12 and served as one of my section’s SBA bar governors.

If you’re unable to find me in my office fulfilling my ASP Dean’s Fellow duties, I can be found all over campus as I serve in Black Law Student Association, Street Law, Business & Tax Law Society, and Student Bar Association. Over the summer I had the pleasure of clerking at 2 reputable firms in Memphis.

I truly believe in the power of champions and advocating for fellow classmates. As a Dean’s Fellow, it is my mission to create an enriching and inclusive environment for the benefit of all students in the law school. Cecil C. Humphreys is a better place with you in it, and I am ecstatic to serve you. Let’s have an amazing year together!

Natasha Jeffries

natasha jeffries photo

Hello Everyone!

My name is Natasha Jeffries, and I’m a non-traditional 2L. I worked for attorneys for over fifteen years before finally taking the plunge and coming to law school. As a 1L, I was in Section 12, and I currently serve as the Treasurer for the Association of Women Attorneys. I also volunteer with CASA and am honored to spend my summer interning with ALSAC. Outside of the legal world, my kids and hot yoga bring me happiness.

Joining the Memphis Law family was truly the best decision I have ever made, and I am so excited to welcome you all to the fold! The challenges are significant, but we are here to support and guide you through this life-changing journey.

I look forward to getting to know each of you!

Valesha Rhodes

Hi Tigers!

I’m Valesha Rhodes, a 2L here at Memphis Law and proud valedictorian of Dillard University. A Memphis native, I studied in New Orleans through Dillard’s LEAD programs, which shaped my passion for advocacy and service.

During 1L year, I earned the CALI Award for Civil Procedure and the Dean’s Award of Excellence for Outstanding Oral Advocacy in Legal Methods. I currently serve as Vice President of the American Constitutional Law Society and am involved in several student organizations.

This past summer, I worked as a Summer Associate at a distinguished law firm, where I grew both professionally and personally in my development as a future attorney. Outside of law school, I serve on the board of a local nonprofit, enjoy traveling, and all things fitness and wellness.

I’m honored to return as a Dean’s Fellow—ASP was instrumental to my 1L success, and I’m excited to support others on their journey.

My advice to 1Ls: Run your own race, go at your own pace, and give yourself grace!

Kylei Sarwar

Hi friends! My name is Kylei and I am a rising 2L. I was born and raised around the Memphis area and graduated from Memphis State! (#GTG) While my time in undergrad, I got to experience the amazing opportunities our school offers us. I knew that Mem Law was the only school I wanted to go to and I’m sooooo glad I went to the U of M!

Over the summer, I was a summer associate at Baker Donelson in the Nashville office. I quickly grew to love and appreciate Nashville as a second home. During my time, I was able to experience a new side of the law. I'm so grateful my 1L year truly prepared me for the type of work I completed on a daily basis.

The ASP fellows set me on a path for success during my time as a 1L. They were always there to lend an ear or give helpful feedback when things just weren’t clicking for me. As such, they inspired me to do the same for all of you! Your 1L year will set you on a path to success, you just have to take it! I will be with each of you every step of the way.

Soak in every moment you have as you begin your new path. There will be ups, downs, and all arounds. Just remember, we are all here to support you. Welcome to Mem Law!