RALEIGH, N.C. – Melissa Essary, dean of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, has been appointed to serve on the board of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA).
The DRA is a not-for-profit organization that builds private-public partnerships to address issues facing downtown Raleigh and manages downtown’s Municipal Services District. The DRA’s dedicated board and staff focus on providing economic development, advocacy, marketing, and Clean and Safe Ambassador services.
“With the fall 2009 relocation of Campbell Law School to its new home in downtown Raleigh fast approaching, I am honored to be asked to join such an esteemed group of local leaders,” said Dean Essary. “The vibrant downtown Raleigh community offers a rich cultural history in a progressive setting that I am so proud to be a part of.”
Dean Essary’s substantive involvement in the Raleigh business and legal communities includes serving on the board of directors for The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce as well as The Cardinal Club. She was also recognized in 2008 by Business Leader magazine as a Triangle Impact Business Leader, Triangle Impact Education Leader and Women Extraordinaire award winner, in large part for her tremendous effort in assisting with the Law School’s move from Buies Creek, N.C. to Raleigh. Prior to the decision to relocate Campbell Law, Raleigh was the largest state capital without a law school.
“Dean Essary’s work in bringing Campbell Law to Raleigh is a prime example of why she was selected to join our board,” said DRA President and CEO David Diaz. “Her vision and passion for the community will make her a great addition to our committed group working toward the continued growth and betterment of downtown Raleigh.”
About Downtown Raleigh Alliance: The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is the leader and champion for a dynamic and vibrant downtown. The Alliance is a guiding force in shaping a healthy center that anchors the city and the region. Through our dedicated board and staff, we are responsible for providing the following services: Economic Development; Advocacy; Marketing; Clean and Safe Ambassador Services. For additional information, please visit http://www.GoDowntownRaleigh.com.
About Campbell Law School: Since its founding in 1976, the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others and create a more just society. The School has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. In 2008, the Law School’s Moot Court Program was ranked in the top ten nationally by the University of Houston’s Blakely Advocacy Institute among 196 ABA accredited law schools. Campbell Law boasts more than 3,000 alumni, including 2,000 who reside and work in North Carolina. For the past 20 years, Campbell Law’s record of success on the North Carolina bar exam is unsurpassed by any other North Carolina law school. In the fall of 2009, Campbell Law School will relocate from the main Campbell University campus to a new location in downtown Raleigh.
Dean Essary Appointed to Downtown Raleigh Alliance Board