Written By Madison Thurkettle
Pre-Law Society is back in session for Spring 2026! PLS held its first meeting of the semester and welcomed 133 members, who came back in style. As part of a goal to promote professional development in our students, Pre-Law Society members were encouraged to participate in the “Bearkats in Blazers” initiative—with many students doing so!
Once the meeting officially began, President Olivia Discon introduced our guest speaker for the evening, Dr. Rhonda Beassie, Vice President for Administration at Sam Houston State University. While her current role covers a diverse range of departments such as procurement, human resources, Title IX, and many more–it only begins to shine a light on the breadth of her impressive career. Indeed, she explained that her career was truly a “non-linear” path to where she is today.
Dr. Beassie highlighted her career, emphasizing that paths in law and related fields are rarely linear. She described her journey as “circuitous,” in that she began in real estate, then moved into various levels of the legal—without the initial plan to attend law school.
After working as a legal secretary, Dr. Beassie earned her paralegal degree and worked as a paralegal, a role she described as one of her most fulfilling due to the collaborative nature of litigation. She later returned to school for her undergraduate degree before attending law school.
Once she completed law school, Dr. Beassie worked in legal education and student legal services, then served as General Counsel for the Texas State University System. Her advisory experience led to leadership roles in administration at Sam Houston.
Dr. Beassie emphasized that flexibility and openness to opportunities shaped her career and encouraged students not to feel pressured to follow a traditional path directly from undergraduate studies to law school.
Dr. Beassie encouraged students not to let uncertainty or lack of confidence prevent them from pursuing opportunities in the legal field, reminding members: “You deserve a seat at the table.” She highlighted the importance of initiative, networking, and embracing new challenges, even when they seem intimidating. Many of her own career advancements, she explained, came from accepting opportunities that required extra research, preparation, or learning new subjects.
After her presentation, students asked various questions about Dr. Beassie’s career path and her experiences in legal and leadership roles.
Members asked about:
- how she decided to pursue law school after initially working in other fields
- Managing responsibilities such as family while attending law school
- Whether a paralegal background strengthens a law school application
- What roles did she find more fulfilling throughout her career
Dr. Beassie said that while law schools focus on GPA and LSAT scores (most important), practical experience, such as paralegal work, can help applicants stand out when qualifications are similar or competitive, and provides valuable preparation for legal work. She also encouraged students to pursue internships and volunteer opportunities, and that even unpaid roles build professional credibility and transferable skills.
Dr. Beassie concluded her presentation at 7:15 PM. President Olivia Discon thanked her and transitioned to the business portion of the meeting…
Treasurer Nataly Elizondo provided a finance update, Secretary Madison Cawthon presented the meeting minutes, and VP of Membership McKenna Nonnenmann and VP of Marketing Jackie Balbuena shared their updates as well. Pre-Law Advisor Jean Loveall also informed members of upcoming changes to the LSAT beginning in August 2026, noting that while the exam’s structure will remain the same, students will be required to take the LSAT in person, with the option to test either on computer or paper.
With a lot of good information and high spirits, the meeting adjourned with excitement for the semester and our futures ahead.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 