As Assistant Dean Cordel Faulk departs from the Law School, we at the Law Weekly wanted to share some of the ways in which his work has touched the lives of UVA Law students. Below are a few farewells and notes of gratitude we collected from current students and alumni. Thank you, Dean Faulk, for that you’ve done, all the lives you changed, and all the good you’ll go on to do. We’ll miss you dearly.
Daniel Richardson ’18 writes:
UVA alums often find ourselves trying to explain exactly why we love this place so much. We all phrase it our own way, but it always comes back to the same thing: the people. And no person has had a greater role in finding the people who make UVA what it is today than Cordel Faulk.
It would be hard to reflect on Dean Faulk’s tenure without noting how hard he worked to make UVA a more welcoming place to those of us who may have thought of ourselves as “UVA people,” but did not see many students like us among the school’s alumni. Thanks to his efforts, a culture that for so long seemed suited to a certain kind of student grew to become more diverse and inclusive, and we are all better for it. It was a mission that Dean Faulk cared deeply about, and while I am certain he would consider it far from finished, many of us are grateful for what he was able to accomplish.
I was sad to hear that Dean Faulk will be leaving UVA, and I know it will be difficult to not wave into his office from the visitor parking lot the first time I go back to Grounds. But I take comfort in knowing that the culture he created was built to last, and that now another group of students can benefit from his leadership and his example. I hope they know how lucky they are.
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djr4md@virginia.edu
John Ghazoul ’21 writes:
Quite simply, Dean Cordel Faulk is the reason I chose to attend UVA Law over other law schools. I will never forget the day that I cold-called Cordel’s office and proceeded to speak with him for over an hour about my interest in law school. At the end of our conversation, I knew that UVA Law was the best place for me. Cordel’s ability to communicate with prospective and current students is unparalleled. Anyone who speaks with Cordel knows that he has their best interest at heart, and I sensed that in our very first telephone conversation. I have been fortunate to maintain a great friendship with Cordel; he will be sorely missed by all of us at UVA Law. The Schwarzman Scholars program is fortunate to have such a devoted and hard-working person join their organization. I know that Cordel will take that esteemed program to even greater heights.
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jag8xj@virginia.edu
Toccara Nelson ’19 writes:
I cannot summarize my friendship with Cordel into words. His shining personality is the primary reason I attended UVA Law. Usually, law school admissions interviews are awkward; they are formalized and boring. Cordel and I discussed Janet Jackson. I knew I had to attend UVA Law from there.
Cordel was one of my riders at the Law School. He’s personally looked out for me during my lowest times, and he’s been a sounding board for me during my triumphs. He is never afraid to open his office door, sit down, and talk with you about anything. He’s opened his home for BLSA, LAMBDA, and so many others as a safe refuge. Cordel does not know this, but he’s done so much for my personal development as a LGBTQ+ woman by simply providing a listening ear and a supportive heart.
UVA Law will undoubtedly miss Cordel Faulk. Cordel’s absence will be impossible to fill. I hope the school knew what they had–I know us students did.
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tmn2aa@virginia.edu
Drew Calamaro ’21 writes:
Like so many of us, I first met Dean Cordel Faulk when he interviewed me during the admissions process. Before the interview, I read his bio and quickly realized that Cordel lives and breathes the state of Virginia. This was also clear in our interview, so when I pointed out it took a full twenty minutes for him to mention Thomas Jefferson, he laughed (Virginia jokes!). His sense of humor and his passion for Virginia as a University and a state have only become more apparent as our friendship has developed, and are what enabled him to foster a law school community that is unparalleled in its collegial and inclusive environment. I can only hope that his successor will try to continue that legacy. I wish Cordel the very best as he moves farther north than he ever has before, but I am confident that someday he will be back.
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dac6jk@virginia.edu
Grace Tang ’21 writes:
I still remember the very first day of law school orientation. Sitting in excited but nervous anticipation among my classmates in the auditorium, an eleven-hour drive from home, studying for the first time in the United States. Prior to attending UVA Law, I had never set foot in Virginia, nor been away from my family for more than five weeks. I decided to attend UVA Law based on its reputation for collegiality, community, and commitment to its students.
Then, Cordel Faulk stepped up to the podium and looked over at us with pride, warmth, and welcome, and smiled from the stage. I remember feeling instant relief and belonging. Cordel spoke of working together as lawyers, working as a team in our future roles, and the importance of cultivating collaboration and support in law school. He talked about his own background, and the friends he made at UVA Law whom he relies on today. Cordel spoke of diversity, inclusion, and how UVA Law is a better place because of it. Thank you, Assistant Dean Faulk, for everything you have done for my class and the many classes of UVA Law students before me. Thank you for your dedication in finding students who are a good fit for the UVA community. We wish you all the best, and we will truly miss you.
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gt5ay@virginia.edu