LANSING, Mich. – On June 29, Cooley Law School’s Deans Fellow Program received the 2026 Excellence in Innovation Award: Law Schools from Insight Into Academia magazine, the nation’s longest-running publication advancing best practices in higher education.
This honor celebrates law schools redefining the future of legal education. Through transformative programs and initiatives, these schools are reimagining curriculum, experiential learning, technology and AI integration, access to legal education, professional pathways, and more to better serve the evolving needs of students and meet the changing demands of today’s workforce.
“The Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: Law Schools is a prestigious national honor recognizing law schools driving innovation in legal education,” said Holly Mendelson, co-owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “This selective recognition celebrates programs defined by forward-thinking design and measurable impact –initiatives that raise the standard and advance the field.”
Cooley Law School launched the Dean's Fellow program, a peer learning initiative, in 2023. Designed to foster collaboration, belonging, and practical skill development, the Dean's Fellow program connects students with peer educators who understand the unique demands of legal education. It has produced measurable and meaningful outcomes in student engagement, academic development, and educational equity by creating a learning environment where students are more likely to seek support, build confidence, and persist through the challenges of legal education.
“Cooley Law School’s Dean's Fellow is a peer educator program. It serves junior students, deepening their mastery of course material. For the Fellows, it also strengthens their leadership and communication skills, and offers valuable mentoring experience that contributes to their own professional development and career readiness,” said Cooley Law School President and Dean James McGrath. “It creates a stronger sense of representation, inclusion, and community among students, supporting Cooley's vision of advancing justice and equity through broad access to legal education. We are honored to be among the top law schools in the country to receive the Insight Into Academia’s Excellence in Innovation award.”
Cooley Law School is featured in the July/August 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.
Participants of Cooley Law School Dean’s Fellow program in 2026.
About Insight Into Academia: For more than 50 years, Insight Into Academia has empowered higher education leaders by defining and advancing the best practices shaping the future of the academy. Across its magazine, podcast, webinars, awards, and digital platforms, Insight spotlights the institutions, initiatives, and ideas driving progress across higher education. Through thought-provoking articles, expert advice, valuable resources, and in-depth profiles of top programs, Insight helps higher education understand what’s working and what comes next. Recognition by Insight Into Academia reflects leadership, innovation, and a commitment to evidence-based excellence. To learn more visit www.insightintoacademia.com.