School of Law Announces 2026 Dean's Circle Awards

The U of A School of Law proudly announces the 2026 recipients of the Dean's Circle Awards. The School of Law Awards Committee recommends the recipients of the Dean's Circle Awards, which are given to law school faculty and staff in honor of their commitment to excellence in scholarship, service and teaching.

Faculty Award for Scholarship - Jack Thorlin

This award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in well-received research, writing and addressing intricate material.

The Awards Committee selected Jack Thorlin, assistant professor, whose scholarship has been featured in several publications, including the Arkansas Law Review, the Maryland Law Review and the Texas Review of Law & Politics. Additionally, he presented at the Dickinson Law Review Symposium and the 2025 National Conference of Constitutional Law Scholars. Thorlin's scholarly interests include presidential war powers, national security issues related to artificial intelligence and First Amendment religion clause jurisprudence.  

Thorlin was described as "prolific" by his colleagues, and it was noted that he is "doing excellent, substantive work." He was also highlighted for his Substack articles on relevant, complex legal issues, such as academic freedom and the First Amendment.

"Being recognized in this way for scholarship is a great honor," Thorlin said. "I am grateful to my colleagues for reading my least compelling drafts, to students for asking questions that get me thinking in new directions and to the disturbingly fluid state of constitutional law for giving me so much to write about."

Faculty Award for Service - Amanda Hurst

The award is presented to a faculty member who models excellence through outstanding service to the law school, legal academy or legal community.

The Awards Committee selected assistant professor Amanda Hurst for this distinction. Hurst has contributed to the legal community and profession through her numerous pieces in publications, such as the Tennessee Law Review, Kentucky Law Review and the Georgia State University Law Review. She is also a member of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission. At the School of Law, she teaches Legal Research and Writing and advanced writing courses. Furthermore, she serves students as the director of student competitions and the co-coach of the American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition Team. Additionally, she has helped students make strides toward securing opportunities for professional development by writing recommendation letters for clerkships. A colleague also noted that Hurst performs all of her duties "with joy and a smile."

"I truly enjoy my service roles, which allow me to see up close the concrete benefits to the law school community and individual students that flow from them," Hurst said. "So to be recognized as excelling at this important and positive component of my work is especially meaningful to me, and I'm very honored to receive the Faculty Service Award."

Faculty Award for Teaching: Amanda Fisher

This award is given to a faculty member who incorporates engaging educational techniques in their teaching and promotes deep, critical thinking in students.

Since joining the School of Law faculty in 2023, Amanda Fisher has "proven herself to be a truly outstanding professor," a nominator stated. She teaches Women and the Law and Legal Research & Writing I and II. She is well respected and appreciated among students for her "clarity, responsiveness and genuine investment in their success." Her teaching style is marked by high expectations with extensive support. Her investment in students extends beyond the classroom setting. She also serves as a mentor to upper-level students, advises law review students and coaches an ABA NAAC team. Additionally, Fisher has contributed to the legal community through her featured pieces in the Western Michigan University Cooley Law Review and the American Bar Association Young Lawyer's Division, After the Bar.

"To be recognized for something I value so deeply, particularly among a group of incredibly dedicated and talented faculty, is a profound honor," Fisher said.

Staff Award - Robin Coker and Jeanie Sanderlin

Each year the School of Law honors staff members who have meaningfully contributed to law school students and the school's environment. This year, two staff members were selected for this recognition.

The committee chose Robin Coker, Career Services specialist, because she has been a calm, reliable presence in Student Services and has helped students make strides toward their professional and career goals. She has coordinated hundreds of applications and interviews for students seeking externship opportunities, and she makes herself available for any student with questions. She has also seamlessly navigated transitions in leadership while maintaining excellence in her responsibilities and commitment to serving students. While she is not one to seek praise or recognition, she plays a vital behind-the-scenes role and is a valuable resource for both students and faculty. She has gone "above and beyond" in her role to promote student success while being kind to all.

"Thank you so much to Dean Nance and the Dean's Circle Award committee for this award," Coker said. "I am so thankful for our law school community, and it feels very nice to be recognized!"

Jeanie Sanderlin, administrative support specialist, was described as a "quiet, driving force" behind the moments that bring the staff together. With the Community Life Committee, she has kindly executed team-building activities, professional development lunches, and CPR and AED training with care and a motivation to help others and create meaningful experiences.

Sanderlin organized a law school cookbook that incorporates law school faculty and staff recipes and the stories behind the recipes. In addition to promoting a joyful work environment, Sanderlin also facilitated a smooth university software transition from UA Connect to WorkDay. She also supports faculty and staff by answering their questions regarding this transition and other issues. She has been a helpful, welcoming and inviting presence in the law school, making it a kinder, more connected place to work, her colleagues stated in their nominations.

"I was surprised and extremely honored to receive a Dean's Circle award. It is great knowing how much my work is appreciated and valued," Sanderlin said. "It felt good to be nominated and to hear from several people that I deserved the award. I love working for the law school; it is like having a second family."