Shawna Smith-Thornton is a Texas A&M School of Law master's of jurisprudence degree graduate who was appointed to the executive committee of the Association of American Law Schools Pro Bono Committee where she serves as membership co-chair. Shawna helped create the first pro bono emerging leaders award, recognizing mid-career pro bono professionals. Look for her this fall as a panelist at the 2021 Pro Bono Coordinators Retreat & Poverty Law Conference.
Shawna is busy building the first mobile app for students at Texas A&M Law, firmly believing that increasing communication can do wonders for the student experience.
Years of Service: 6 years
Describe your law school tenure in three words:
- Adventurous
- Innovative
- Limitless
Do you have a favorite Texas A&M Aggie Core Value?
- Selfless Service. To whom much is given, much is required.
- Integrity. What you do when no one is watching is important.
What was your favorite tv show growing up?
- The Golden Girls. I've been watching this show since I was single digits. I love the feistiness of the ladies, and what has stuck with me is that there is still life after life's trials.
- M*A*S*H. I got to stay up late to watch this show, and that was the best. It was a good memory of spending time with my Mom.
- A Different World. I got to dream with this show. Peeking into college life was exciting and rescued me from my neighborhood and the monotony.
If you could keep only three apps on your phone, what would they be?Everything you need to know comes from Instagram. Just search and find.
- Apple Music
- My bank.
Is there a Texas A&M Law student who has left an impression on you?
Greg Franklin. He must be the hardest working man I've ever met, and he doesn't complain. If I had to describe him in one word it would be effortlessness. He is the type of person who could pull an all-nighter and you wouldn't know it. I'm glad to see that he is still connected to the law school with his work on our Alumni Board.
The graduates of Texas A&M Law who inspire me all have a couple of things in common. They are relentless and resilient.
What trend deserves a comeback?
Starter Jackets can definitely make a comeback. They were how your represented your home team.
What is a question that you answer most commonly while at work?
Are you a student? I guess people think I look young [shrug].
In support of the Texas A&M University mission, the Office of Student Affairs at the Texas A&M School of Law contributes to student learning and development. The department provides services and programs that promote student success, embody the Aggie spirit, foster a diverse and inclusive campus community and exemplify Aggie Core Values — Loyalty, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, Selfless Service and Respect.
Texas A&M School of Law continues to reset expectations, climbing to the 53rd-ranked law school in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. "Our staff fuel the engine," says Dean Robert B. Ahdieh. Get the facts and learn more about the law school's journey.