Four students in the Jacksonville University College of Law’s second class are accomplishing yet another first for the newly-minted law school: they’ll be the first Jacksonville University alumni to attend the school, putting them on the path to become the first J.D. Double Dolphins upon graduation in 2026.
Thomas Ross ‘23, Courtney Crain ‘22, Gabriella Schreiber ‘23 and Ryan Milovich ‘22 chose to remain in Jacksonville following graduation and continue their studies at Jacksonville University. They’re part of the 26 students in the College of Law’s second incoming class, who will start classes next week.
“The opportunities that JU Law had to offer just seemed like a great opportunity to stay where I've built a new life and to continue to build on top of that,” said Milovich, who came to Jacksonville from Atlanta. “JU has always done a great job of opening doors for its students and this just seemed like another opportunity to build on my career.”
While Crain will be one of the first J.D. Double Dolphins, she won’t be the first in her family to receive two degrees from the university. Her grandfather earned two degrees from JU in 1956 and 1966. She said she’s proud to carry on the tradition.
“It means so much to me to share this special connection with my grandfather. Our family is creating a home in Jacksonville University, and I am so honored to be one of the few students selected to become a J.D. Double Dolphin,” Crain said.
The four said their positive experience at JU as undergraduate students played a significant role in their choice to attend the JU College of Law.
“Between the great professors and peers who are always willing to help, I never once felt like I couldn’t succeed,” Schreiber said. “The amount I was able to be involved with at JU is more than I originally imagined for my college experience. Choosing JU Law was an easy decision because I knew I would be attending a law school that would be there every step of the way to help me achieve more than I think I am capable of.”
Ross, who graduated with a degree in communications, worked as a student admissions ambassador and social media manager for the College of Arts and Sciences as an undergraduate.
Following conversations with his professor and mentor Dr. Courtney Barclay, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Affairs at the College of Law, along with Dean Nick Allard, Ross’ mind was set on attending the College of Law.
“Most law students enter a school where the culture and dynamics of the institution are engrained and unchanging,” Ross said. “As the college grows, it can adapt to the needs of the students, trends in the legal profession and changes in the world of higher education. I ultimately chose JU Law because I knew that here, I would have access to the vast network of student support that Jacksonville University is known for – small class sizes, personal attention and relationships with professors, and a culture of working together for success.”
