VT-Clara F. Gimenez, a graduate of Vermont Law School who is now the school's assistant dean for academic affairs, is being honored with the 2009 Peggy R. Williams Emerging Professional Award from the Vermont Women in Higher Education (VWHE).
VWHE's Peggy R. Williams Emerging Professional Award recognizes a woman "who is in the early stages of her career, demonstrates excellence in her contributions to students, colleagues, and/or her institution (in such areas as service, innovative programs, teaching, research, etc.), and shows promise and potential for future contributions." As assistant dean for academic affairs, Clara Gimenez works closely with the vice dean for academic affairs and is responsible for developing academic advising programs for students and affording of accommodations to students with disabilities. She is a liaison for students participating in Vermont Law School's many exchange and dual programs with other law schools, and for those schools to VLS. While managing many facets of the law school's academic services, Dean Gimenez remains active in the classroom, teaching in the General Practice Program.
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs Gil Kujovich notes, "In her three roles at Vermont law School-student, teacher, and assistant dean-Clara Gimenez has distinguished herself as a woman of exceptional ability with a strong sense of responsibility and the highest ethical standards. It has been a true pleasure to teach her, to learn from her, and to work with her."
Dean Gimenez, who graduated summa cum laude from Vermont Law School in 2003, is a native of Madrid, Spain, where she graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. Prior to attending law school, she taught Spanish language and literature at Dartmouth College, Colby College, and the University of Virginia. She began her legal career in 2003 as a clerk for the Honorable Jeffrey L. Amestoy, Chief Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court. After her clerkship, she practiced law at Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP, in Burlington, VT.
Clara Gimenez will be presented with the Peggy R. Williams Emerging Professional Award at the VWHE's annual Fall Conference on October 30 in Fairlee, Vermont. The award is named after Dr. Peggy R. Williams, who served as president of both Ithaca College in New York and Lyndon State College in Vermont.
