Crawford Named to Little Rock Soiree’s 2024 Men on a Mission

Colin Crawford, dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law at UA Little Rock, has been named to Little Rock Soiree's 2024 Class of Men on a Mission.

"This recognition came as a great surprise to me," Crawford said. "I'm flattered by this honor, and it confirms my experience of Little Rock in my 18 months here as a friendly and welcoming city."

The law dean is one of 28 men who was named to the magazine's 2024 cohort of Men on a Mission. Now in its fourth year, Soiree's special section highlights men who are changing the way people do business and life together in Central Arkansas. The magazine describes them as givers and game-changers who are fueled by more than just the daily grind.

Crawford joined UA Little Rock as Bowen's dean last year, having previously served as dean of the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, following academic positions at several institutions, including tenured positions at Tulane University and at Georgia State University.

With 2025 marking the Bowen School of Law's 50th anniversary, Crawford will be on his own mission in the new year to highlight the unique history and accomplishments of Bowen and its students, employees, and alumni.

"A central aim over the arc of the year will be to make sure the community and the world beyond recognize the many wonderful accomplishments the Bowen School of Law has achieved in its first half-century and to showcase the impact our students, alumni, and faculty have made in the field of law," Crawford said. "We also want to share our vision for the future as we look ahead to the next 50 years, with plans to expand our academic programs, deepen our community partnerships, and continue producing leaders dedicated to justice, equity, and the highest standards of the legal profession."

At UA Little Rock, Crawford has worked to expand access to law school for Arkansans. He has increased the number of in-state colleges and universities with pathway partnerships to Bowen to 17, making it easier for students to gain admission to law school. Additionally, Bowen is one of the few American Bar Association-accredited law schools authorized to use the innovative JD-Next program as an alternative to the traditional LSAT for law school admission.

"I hope this profile helps everyone in Little Rock and central Arkansas appreciate the Bowen School of Law's significant contributions to our region's success," Crawford said. "Bowen alum Justice Karen Baker was recently elected Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court-a remarkable achievement that reflects the impact of our school and its graduates."