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Kirby, who is working on her Ph.D. in political science, brings “the real world experience of being an attorney” into the classroom. “I loved being a lawyer and enjoy teaching students about why I love the law.” She has been working at Texas Wesleyan since 2007 and as the full-time director of Paralegal Studies since 2009.
Her favorite class to teach is Alternate Dispute Resolution. “I did a lot of mediation when I was practicing law and I love teaching peace-making and resolution to students.”
Mediation is her specialty and she has been involved with the Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament, taking teams from Texas Wesleyan to practice dispute resolution skills. “I’m a big believer in developing those skills in undergraduates. It also helps with getting into law or graduate school.” In addition, Kirby is involved with Moot Court and is the faculty sponsor of the Paralegal Student Society.
Kirby’s dissertation is about Texas Justice of the Peace Courts. She is also the author of the textbook, “Red and Black: The Debtor/Creditor Relationship.”
She enjoys getting to know each of her students in the small classes, which are typically 15 to 20 students. “I like making a contribution to their education more in a one-on-one way. I used to teach 300 to 400 students or a small class of 50, but at Texas Wesleyan, I can get to know the students on a personal basis and know what each student needs.”
Education:
Ph.D. Political Science — University of Texas at Dallas (Fall 2011)
Graduate Certificate Dispute Resolution — Southern Methodist University
J.D. School of Law — Southern Methodist University
B.A. Political Science — University of Texas at Dallas
Did you know?
As a Cowboys fan, Kirby is a long-time season ticket holder and her office is full of Cowboy player bobble heads. Her husband works for the team. She also loves to play golf in the Metroplex area. She is happy to be “not like a typical attorney.” “You don’t have to be a grouchy person in a three-piece suit to still be a member of the legal profession. You can be a happy, friendly person.”
