With more than 20 years spent providing guidance to undergraduate students considering a career in the law, Mel Hailey of Abilene Christian University has been recognized as the top pre-law adviser in the nation. On March 23, 2015, the Pre-Law Advisors National Council announced that Hailey would be the recipient of its 2015 Dean Gerald Wilson Award for Excellence in Pre-Law Advising, which he will accept at the council’s southwestern regional association meeting in October. He was selected for the recognition among pre-law advisers at all U.S. colleges and universities.
Since 1994, Hailey has been advising hundreds of ACU students as a professor in the Department of Political Science. University statistics show that its students gain admission into law school at a rate of more than 90 percent—and political science students are admitted at a 99 percent rate.
“Dr. Hailey is known for his outstanding knowledge of law schools and the superb advice he gives,” said Neal Coates, chair of the ACU Department of Political Science. “He is also quite keen in helping students match their qualifications with a law school that will result in successful completion of their degree. Dr. Hailey even maintains relationships with many of our ACU graduates through their careers in law. This is a testimony to Dr. Hailey as an adviser but more importantly as a person.”
For more information on Hailey and his award, go to ACU’s press release. The Pre-Law Advisors National Council website is available at planc.org/.