Cleveland State University College of Law welcomes new Assistant Dean for JD Admissions and Financial Aid Korey Mercer.
“CSULAW is the summation of my academic, professional, and personal background,” said Mercer. “As I look at the history and vision of the law school, I am reminded of my own values and what even compelled me to go to law school and become a leader in the legal profession.”
Korey is a three-time graduate of North Carolina Central University, where he earned his Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. He previously served as Director of Admissions at North Carolina Central University School of Law and was most recently Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at William & Mary Law School.
“Korey’s strong academic background, coupled with his hands-on experience in admissions at both William & Mary Law School and North Carolina Central University, has equipped him with the skills and vision necessary to advance CSU|LAW’s mission of providing excellence and opportunity to our students,” said CSU|LAW Dean Lee Fisher.
“His innovative and forward-thinking approach to admissions, coupled with his strong leadership and management skills, make him an ideal fit for our community. Korey has a deep commitment to expanding access to legal education, and his work aligns with our values of educating practice-ready professionals who are prepared to lead in the legal field. We are confident that he will be instrumental in achieving our enrollment goals while enhancing the experience for all prospective and current students,” Dean Fisher continued.
Korey credits his career in law school admissions to the encouragement of one of his favorite law school professors. He received an offer to join the North Carolina Central University School of Law Office of Admissions shortly after graduating. After only a few weeks in the role, he developed a passion for legal education and supporting other students who sought to apply to law school.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working in law school admissions is the opportunity to contribute to the intellectual growth and development of students,” said Mercer. “The academic setting provides a unique platform to shape the future of the legal profession by nurturing future lawyers, legal scholars, and thought leaders. I am able to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of the law, how it intersects with society, and how we can educate and prepare students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
Korey knew he wanted to go to law school from a very young age, having experienced a close family member's involvement with the legal system. When he was deciding on what law school to attend, community was the biggest factor for Korey. He wanted to be supported personally as a first-generation law student and sought an institution that could provide a hands-on experience academically and socially.
CSU|LAW’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and opportunity goes hand-in-hand with Korey’s law school and professional experiences. The school’s Learn Law Live Justice motto particularly resonates with Korey, as it aligns personal and professional objectives as he sees his work as a calling to serve others and represent the legal profession with the highest integrity.
“In addition to improving our strategic positioning, I am excited about continuing the mission and vision of CSU|LAW through creative storytelling,” said Mercer. “Sharing our history and 125-year-old legacy through recruitment initiatives, social media, and email marketing campaigns presents an incredible opportunity to showcase the next 100 years of leadership, opportunity, and excellence.”
Korey currently serves on the inaugural advisory council with LSAC’s Reaffirming Individuals Supporting Education (RISE) Alliance, a member of the Association of American Law Schools, a planning committee member on the Association of Law School Diversity Professionals (ALDIP), and co-facilitator with the Minority Network within LSAC. He has conducted several speaking engagements on topics related to diversity initiatives in law school admissions. In addition, he is active in the community, serving at his local church, on the Board of Directors at the local YMCA, and as a member of his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.