AASE Awards

Bio

Anne G. Johnson is an Adjunct Professor of Law and Associate Director of Academic Success at Mercer University School of Law, where she also directs the Peer and Group Mentor Program. A graduate of Villanova University, where she earned both her B.A. and J.D., Johnson is admitted to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bars. Since 2004, she has taught courses in legal research, legal process, introductory law, and advanced writing, helping students build the foundational skills needed for success in law school and the legal profession. Her scholarly and professional work reflects deep expertise in legal research, academic support, administrative law, environmental law, policy, and legislative history. A former Assistant Counsel for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Resources, Johnson continues to contribute to the advancement of legal education through teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and service to the academic support community.

Most Recent Publication

"Preparing Students for Legal Research on the NextGen UBE Bar Exam." Published in the Law Library Journal, Volume 114, No. 4 (2025) It is time for law schools to prepare law students for legal research questions on the NextGen UBE Bar Exam, beginning in July 2026. This article provides resources for law schools and students as they prepare for legal research questions on the NextGen UBE Bar Exam. The article emphasizes the importance of teaching legal research, discusses the addition of legal research to the NextGen UBE Bar Exam, and explains how legal research skills will be assessed. The article explores curricular changes, opportunities for collaboration across the curriculum, and the impact of Generative AI on the NextGen UBE Bar Exam. It recommends a fundamental approach to teaching legal research.

Read it here https://www.aallnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LLJ-Vol-117-No-4_FINAL-Web.pdf

Bio

Kari Milligan is a Teaching Professor of Law and Academic Excellence Specialist at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where she teaches Torts, Legal Methods, and bar preparation courses focused on the MPT, MBE, and MEE. In addition to her classroom teaching, Milligan works closely with students through individualized academic and bar preparation support, helping them strengthen their legal analysis, writing, and professional skills throughout law school. A graduate of Yale Law School and Taylor University, she brings a strong foundation in legal education, practice, and public service to her work with students. Before joining Mitchell Hamline, Milligan clerked for Judge James B. Loken of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and practiced law at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and Faegre Baker Daniels. Her teaching and scholarship reflect a deep commitment to student success, academic excellence, wellness, and preparing the next generation of lawyers for meaningful and effective practice.

Most Recent Publication

Kari Milligan’s article, “NextGen Bar Success: A Student-Tested, Student-Approved Method for Completing Counseling Integrated Question Sets,” was published in Wisconsin Law Review Forward. The article addresses the need for legal educators to prepare students for Counseling Integrated Question Sets, a new question type being introduced on the NextGen bar exam. Milligan explains how these questions require students to work through an unfolding fact pattern and answer a series of multiple-choice or short-answer questions focused on client counseling or dispute resolution. Drawing on work developed at Mitchell Hamline School of Law and tested with 358 first-semester law students in 2024, the article presents a five-step method, summarizes student feedback, and describes refinements made in response. The piece offers law faculty a practical, student-informed approach to teaching NextGen bar exam skills and supporting student success.

Citation: “NextGen Bar Success: A Student-Tested, Student-Approved Method for Completing Counseling Integrated Question Sets” (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 627.
https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/facsch/627

Bio

Diane B. Kraft is an Associate Professor of the Practice of Law and Director of the Academic Achievement Program at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Since joining Denver Law in 2019, she has led efforts to help students develop the legal study skills, academic strategies, and professional habits needed for success in law school, on the bar exam, and in legal practice. Before coming to Denver, Professor Kraft taught legal research and writing for ten years at the University of Kentucky College of Law, where she also served as Director of the Academic Success Program. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, she practiced civil litigation in Madison, Wisconsin, representing clients in matters including medical malpractice, defamation, personal injury, and secured transactions. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to teaching, mentoring, academic support, legal writing, and student-centered legal education.

Why Honored

Professor Kraft is being honored for her generous spirit, steady service, and quiet leadership in the academic support community. Whether mentoring a new ASP professional, supporting colleagues through AASE committee work, or helping students navigate the challenges of law school, she consistently offers her time, insight, and encouragement without seeking recognition. Her work is marked by humility, grace, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Through her example, Professor Kraft embodies the best of academic support: compassionate mentorship, reliable service, and an unwavering dedication to students and colleagues alike.

Bio

Rebecca L. Scalio is the Associate Director of Academic Success at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, where she supports students in developing the academic, analytical, and professional skills necessary for success in law school and beyond. In addition to her work in academic success, Professor Scalio continues to teach legal writing, bringing significant experience in legal education, writing instruction, and student support to her role. Before joining Villanova’s Office of Academic Success Programs, she served as a visiting assistant professor at Villanova Law and taught in various roles at Delaware Law School, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, and the University of Dayton School of Law, where she created and taught Appellate Practice & Procedure in the Hybrid J.D. Program. Prior to her teaching career, she practiced law in Wilmington, Delaware, including work in bankruptcy and commercial litigation.

Why Honored

Professor Scalio is being recognized for her collaboration, generosity, and exceptional commitment to building community within academic support. As Chair of AASE’s Information and Media Committee, she has strengthened communication across the organization by creating more effective systems for collecting, organizing, and sharing information. Most notably, she has revitalized and significantly expanded AASE’s monthly newsletter, transforming it into an essential source of connection, recognition, and shared purpose for the academic support community. Through the newsletter, Professor Scalio consistently elevates the accomplishments, scholarship, and service of others, ensuring that colleagues’ work is visible and celebrated. Her sustained leadership, thoughtful communication, and dedication to highlighting others embody the very spirit of AASE and reflect the best of academic support as a collaborative and generous profession.

Bio

Andrew Stewart is a Visiting Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Readiness at Washburn University School of Law. In this role, he supports students as they develop the academic skills, professional habits, and bar readiness strategies needed for success in law school and beyond. A graduate of Truman State University and Washburn University School of Law, Professor Stewart brings a student-centered approach to academic enrichment, helping students build confidence, connection, and a strong foundation for legal study. His work reflects a deep commitment to welcoming students into the law school community and supporting them throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Why Honored

Professor Stewart is being recognized the generosity, warmth, and leadership he has already brought to the academic support community. Through his service on AASE’s Member Engagement Committee, he has made it a priority to welcome new members, help them feel included, and support their growth as academic success professionals. Colleagues describe him as genuine, kind, generous, and deeply impactful. He is someone who consistently offers his time, knowledge, and compassion in service to others. Although he is still early in his academic support career, Professor Stewart has already become a meaningful presence in the AASE community, modeling the care, humility, and commitment that define the best of the profession.

Bio

Erica M. Lux is the Director of Academic Success Programs and Associate Director of First-Generation Resources at Texas Tech University School of Law. In these roles, she supports students from the start of law school through bar preparation, helping them build the academic, analytical, and professional skills needed for success. Her work includes academic coaching, student success programming, bar preparation support, and first-generation student resources. A graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law, Professor Lux brings a deeply student-centered and inclusive approach to her work, with particular attention to first-generation students, neurodivergent students, and students navigating the hidden curriculum of legal education.

Why Honored

Professor Lux is being recognized for the extraordinary impact she has made in academic and bar success early in her career. In just a few years, she has elevated academic support and bar preparation at Texas Tech Law while becoming a generous, thoughtful, and collaborative voice in the broader ASP community. Her nominators describe her as someone who puts students first in everything she does—whether through teaching, programming, mentoring, scholarship, or service—and as a professional whose expertise, compassion, and leadership far exceed her years of experience.

Beyond her institutional work, Professor Lux has already become a valued member of the national academic support community. She presents regularly at AASE and regional conferences, contributes to the Law School Academic Support Blog, and collaborates generously with colleagues on issues including neurodiversity, student belonging, and inclusive law school pedagogy. Colleagues describe her as genuine, kind, generous, and deeply committed to creating not only stronger students, but brighter futures. Her early career reflects the very best of academic support: innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and a profound commitment to human connection.

Bio

Ashley M. London is an Associate Professor of Law and Director of Bar Studies at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University. In this role, she teaches Professional Responsibility and bar-readiness courses while leading comprehensive programming to support students through bar preparation and attorney licensing. Since joining Duquesne Kline School of Law, Professor London has become a respected leader in bar success, professional responsibility, and legal education, with a strong focus on helping students develop the knowledge, judgment, and confidence needed for entry into the profession. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to student success, ethical lawyering, and the advancement of academic and bar support.

Why Honored

Professor London is being recognized for her extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and sustained service to the academic support community. Through her work with the Association of Academic Support Educators, she has helped strengthen AASE as a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming professional home for academic support and bar success educators. Her leadership as AASE’s only two-term President was especially significant: she is recognized for guiding the organization through a challenging period with steadiness, thoughtfulness, and care, ensuring continuity and reinforcing the organization’s role in supporting colleagues across the profession.

Professor London’s contributions have continued well beyond her presidency. She currently helps lead the AASE/AccessLex Scholars Program and serves as Chair of the AASE Scholarship Committee, where she mentors colleagues, encourages meaningful engagement with research and writing, and helps cultivate scholarship that advances the work of academic success professionals nationwide. Widely known for her generosity with her time, guidance, and encouragement, Professor London consistently supports colleagues at every stage of their careers. Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to others, she has served as a true guiding light within AASE and the broader academic support profession.

Bio

Tina Schindler is the Associate Director of Academic Skills at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where she supports students in developing the skills and strategies necessary to succeed in law school, on the bar exam, and in legal practice. A longtime academic success and bar preparation professional, Professor Schindler has devoted her career to helping law students build confidence, strengthen legal analysis and writing, and prepare effectively for the profession. Her work reflects deep expertise in curriculum development, bar readiness, academic support, and student-centered teaching. Before joining UCI Law, she served in academic success and bar preparation roles at several California law schools, where she designed programs, taught students, and contributed to institutional efforts to improve student outcomes.

Why Honored

Professor Schindler is being recognized for her sustained generosity, quiet leadership, and unwavering dedication to student and colleague success. Throughout her career, she has consistently put students first, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support to law students, bar takers, faculty members, and academic support colleagues alike. She is known for never hesitating to help, whether by mentoring a student, supporting a colleague, sharing curriculum, offering ideas, or contributing her time and expertise to strengthen a program.

Her impact extends well beyond any one institution. Professor Schindler has generously shared her curriculum, materials, work products, and insights with colleagues across the academic support and bar preparation communities, often without seeking compensation or recognition. Even after leaving an institution, she has continued to support former students and colleagues with the same care and commitment that define her work. Although her results and influence are widely recognized by those who have learned from her, worked with her, or used her materials, she is not one to seek the spotlight. Through years of steady service, humility, and exceptional care for others, Professor Schindler has served as a true guiding light in academic support and bar success.

Bio

Leila Lawlor is the Director of Academic Excellence and Professor of Practice at Washington and Lee University School of Law. As the inaugural director of W&L Law’s Academic Excellence Program, she works with students to strengthen the skills, strategies, and confidence needed for success in law school, on the bar exam, and in the legal profession. Professor Lawlor brings extensive experience in academic success, lawyering skills, professional development, and student support to her role. Before joining Washington and Lee, she taught at Georgia State University College of Law, where she directed academic success programming, the LL.M. program, and study-abroad partnerships. Her work reflects a deep commitment to student belonging, academic achievement, and the continued growth of academic support as a profession.

Why Honored

Professor Lawlor is being recognized for her significant and lasting contributions to the academic support community through leadership, service, and a sustained commitment to advancing the profession. Through her work with the Association of Academic Support Educators, she has devoted substantial time and energy to strengthening the organization’s mission and supporting colleagues across the field.

Notably, Professor Lawlor has served as Co-Chair of the AASE Scholarship Committee, where she has helped foster meaningful engagement with research, writing, and scholarly development in academic support. Much of this work takes place behind the scenes, but its impact is far-reaching: she encourages colleagues to pursue scholarship, supports those developing research and writing projects, and helps shape initiatives that elevate the intellectual foundation of the profession. Through her thoughtful leadership, collaborative service, and dedication to advancing scholarship in academic support, Professor Lawlor has made an enduring contribution to AASE and to the broader ASP community.

Bio

Christopher Engle-Newman is the Director of Bar Success and Associate Professor of the Practice at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where he directs the DU Bar Success Program and teaches courses and workshops designed to prepare students for the bar exam. His work focuses especially on Legal Analysis Strategies, bar readiness, and helping students develop the analytical, writing, and metacognitive skills necessary for success on the bar exam and in practice. Before returning to Denver Law in his current role, Professor Engle-Newman served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Law for Bar Success at the University of Idaho College of Law and worked with Helix Bar Review by AccessLex on in-school bar-preparation programming. His background in education, student affairs, curriculum design, and bar preparation informs a deeply student-centered approach to teaching and program development.

Why Honored

Professor Engle-Newman is being recognized for the immediate and meaningful contributions he has made to students, colleagues, and the broader academic support community. Since entering the academic support profession, he has quickly emerged as an innovative teacher, thoughtful collaborator, and emerging leader in bar preparation and learning science. His teaching is grounded in clear learning objectives, structured practice, and the science of learning, helping students build the analytical habits, confidence, and self-awareness needed for bar success.

As Director of the DU Bar Success Program, Professor Engle-Newman has brought thoughtful structure, innovation, and a strong focus on student-centered learning to Denver Law’s bar preparation efforts. Colleagues describe him as a generous thought partner and a go-to collaborator for improving teaching, designing programs, and strengthening student outcomes. His impact also extends beyond Denver Law through presentations on bar preparation and the transition to the NextGen bar exam, as well as his work developing integrated question sets through AccessLex to help students and faculty prepare for the new exam format. Through his clarity, generosity, curiosity, and commitment to evidence-based teaching, Professor Engle-Newman is already making a lasting impact on students and on the future of ASP and bar studies.