Alumni News - November 2025
Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers.
This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities. Please share your alumni notes here.
David C. Kent, BA ’75, JD ’78: In November 2025, David received the Kim J. Askew Distinguished Service Award from the Dallas Bar Association.
Jeffery “Jeff” Jones, BBA ’80, JD ’83: In November 2025, Jeff was sworn in as the new mayor of the City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
Charles W. “Rocky” Rhodes, JD ’92: Rocky, a nationally recognized constitutional law scholar and teacher, joined the University of Missouri School of Law in Fall 2025 as the Edward H. Hunvald Professor of Law and Wall Fellow in Constitutional Law.
Steven “Steve” Jansma, JD ’92: The Association of Corporate Counsel’s San Antonio Chapter and The Lawbook awarded Steve the 2025 C. Lee Cusenbary Ethical Life and Leadership Award.
Tracy L. (McKinzie) Norton, JD ’94: The Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Technology, Law, and Legal Section selected Tracy as the recipient of the 2026 Technology Mentorship Award.
Brian K. Carroll, JD ’02: Brian has been recognized in the 2025 USA Guide by Chambers and Partners, earning a Band 1 ranking in Construction: Alternative Dispute Resolution. In addition, he was elected a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation in November 2025.
Kristen (Williams) Cook, BA ’02, JD ’05: In November 2025, Kristen was named Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of The Brink’s Company, where she will lead Brink’s global legal strategy, advise executive leadership, and guide major strategic initiatives across international markets.
Devon Sharp, JD ’07: In November 2025, Devon received the Texas General Counsel Forum’s Magna Stella Award for Pro Bono Service for her work leading Attorneys Serving the Community (ASC) in 2024-25.
Ashley R. (Kempenski) Welvaert, JD ’12: In November 2025, Vanguard Magazine published a profile highlighting Ashley’s role as Chief Legal Officer at Modigent, where she oversees legal, safety, risk, and compliance functions while shaping operational strategy within the mechanical and infrastructure industry.
Faith E. (Johnson) Lowry, JD ’15: In November 2025, Faith was elected a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Claire C. (Neill) Wilson, JD ’15: In November 2025, Claire began a new position as Managing Counsel, IT and Enterprise Technology at 7-Eleven, where she has worked since 2021.
Briana Loughlin Johnson, JD ’17: In November 2025, Briana was promoted to partner at Perkins Coie in Austin, Texas.
Ava C. Macheledt, JD ’25: In November 2025, Ava joined Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. in Greenville, South Carolina, as an associate attorney.
