Published on April 7, 2026 by Morgan Black  
Faculty Awards 2026
St. Clair, Woodke, Ross, Dean Blake Hudson, Carson, McFarlin

Samford University Cumberland School of Law has announced its 2025–26 faculty award recipients, recognizing excellence in teaching and scholarship across the law school. Faculty members were honored Tuesday, April 7, for their impact in the classroom, mentorship of students and contributions to legal scholarship.

Harvey S. Jackson Excellence in Teaching Award

Presented annually, the Harvey S. Jackson Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional command of their subject matter, innovative and engaging teaching methods, and a deep commitment to student learning and mentorship.

First-Year Courses: William G. Ross
William G. Ross, the Albert P. Brewer Professor of Law and Ethics, received the award for first-year courses for his teaching of Civil Procedure. Students praised Ross for his enthusiasm, subject-matter expertise, and consistent support both inside and outside the classroom. Several noted that his teaching fundamentally changed their perception of Civil Procedure—transforming it from a least-favorite subject into a highlight of their first year.

Upper-Level Courses: Lane Woodke
Lane Woodke, assistant professor of law, received the upper-level teaching award for Employment Discrimination. A former Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Woodke is widely recognized for her commitment to student success. Students described her classes as interactive and engaging, citing her ability to make complex legal concepts accessible and her role as both a professor and a mentor.

Outstanding Adjunct: Jay St. Clair
Jay St. Clair received the Outstanding Adjunct award for his teaching of Labor and Employment Law. A fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, St. Clair was recognized for fostering a classroom environment rooted in respect, high expectations and inclusivity. Students highlighted his ability to create community and draw thoughtful contributions from every member of the class.

Lightfoot, Franklin & White Faculty Scholarship Award

The Lightfoot, Franklin & White Faculty Scholarship Award honors faculty members for outstanding scholarly work published in the past year, with consideration given to originality, depth of analysis, clarity and potential impact.

Junior Faculty Recipient: Carlissa Carson
Assistant Professor Carlissa Carson received the junior faculty scholarship award for a trio of published articles addressing statutory interpretation, war powers, and employment law doctrine. Her work has appeared in Veterans’ Law, the Boston College Law Review and the Arkansas Law Review.

Senior Faculty Recipient: Tim McFarlin
Professor Tim McFarlin received the senior faculty scholarship award for his article, “Infringing Uses, Not Works,” which examines the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith. The article was recently reviewed in Jotwell by New York University School of Law professor Christopher J. Sprigman.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.