11/20/2024

The collaboration between Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Widener University Delaware Law School is reaching new heights, as Deans andré douglas pond cummings and Todd J. Clark work together to enhance their institutions’ profiles, foster mutual growth and belonging. This partnership, between Clark, of Delaware Law School, and cummings, of Widener Law Commonwealth, began before either of them arrived at Widener. It started as an academic relationship and has evolved into a close friendship and professional relationship built on mutual respect, mentorship, and a shared vision for strengthening their law schools.

Clark and cummings met at West Virginia University, when Clark joined the faculty while cummings was already an established professor. Reflecting on the early days, Clark credits cummings with shaping his academic career. “He taught me so much about being a professor, a colleague, and eventually, a leader,” Clark recalls. “dré always had a way of pushing me to think bigger, to go beyond the status quo.” This mentorship laid the foundation for what would soon become a deep friendship.

cummings also emphasized the strength of their relationship, noting that it has always been rooted in collaboration. Though their schools and campuses are distinctly different, their core issues are often shared. "Our entire friendship and professional relationship have been based on collaboration," cummings said. “It’s easy for us to discuss challenges such as increasing bar passage rates and addressing faculty and staff concerns, despite operating in different states with unique sets of issues.”

One common goal is improving their institutions' profiles and ensuring student success. Both deans are driven by a shared competitive spirit, pushing each other toward greater accomplishments. "If Dean Clark exceeds a goal on something like recruiting or positive student outcomes, I want to surpass it," said cummings. "This competitive spirit, while it might seem challenging, ultimately benefits Widener University as we both strive to make our schools the best."

Beyond professional rivalry, the deans have found time for lighter moments. Their spirited competition spills over into sports, where they cheer for opposing college football teams—cummings for USC and Clark for Ohio State. “Todd is an unrealistic Ohio State fan,” cummings jokes. “We have our fair share of back-and-forth about college football, but it’s all in good fun.”

Clark, for his part, sees their banter as a reflection of their broader dynamic. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, even though the work we do is serious. We can joke about football or challenge each other on the basketball court—yes, he’s invited me to play hoops with his law school team—and that camaraderie translates into our working relationship. It keeps things fresh, and it keeps us pushing each other to be better.”

Their collaboration transcends the daily operations of their respective law schools. At the heart of their work lies a joint commitment to raising bar passage rates, attracting students, recruiting passionate faculty, and motivating staff.

As deans, they continue to use their expertise to focus on scholarship. One of the most significant initiatives that Clark and cummings have undertaken together is their work on trauma-informed justice. Recognizing the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences and the Black community's interactions with law enforcement, they have developed research that promotes a more empathetic and effective judicial system. “Our work on trauma-informed policing is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Clark shared. “It’s about understanding the real-life impacts of trauma, especially for marginalized communities, and figuring out how the law can better address those experiences.”

Their joint scholarship has produced numerous impactful projects, including the second edition of their co-authored book, “Corporate Justice,” which is slated for release in January 2025. They are also preparing a remix of their critical race theory and hip-hop work, to be submitted for publication in February, and a longitudinal study on policing and trauma, for which they are currently seeking grant funding. As cummings noted, "Our collaboration has enabled us to complete significant scholarly projects efficiently. We are committed to writing influential articles and books and inspiring other scholars to address critical issues in our communities."

Beyond their research and writing, Clark and cummings have explored opportunities for joint teaching. One of their ambitions is to develop interdisciplinary courses that reflect their shared interests, such as corporate justice, and hip-hop law and social justice. These courses aim to provide students with a broader, more nuanced understanding of the law's role in shaping society. “We want to provide our students with a holistic view of the law,” Clark explains. “Through courses like these, we hope to inspire the next generation of lawyers to think critically and compassionately about their role in shaping society.”

As Widener University’s law schools continue to grow under their leadership, it’s clear that cummings’ and Clark’s partnership—fueled by a blend of competition, collaboration, and camaraderie—will continue to shape the future of legal education for years.

"At the end of the day," Clark concludes, "we’re in this for our students. Everything we do—whether it’s writing an article, developing a new course, or collaborating across campuses—is about giving them the best possible legal education and preparing them for the world beyond law school.”