A sophomore at Montana State University’s Honors College, Neva Clark, has been admitted to the selective University of Virginia Law School Roadmap Scholars program, according to an April 30 announcement. Clark is one of only 12 students nationwide chosen for the program and is the first from Montana State University (MSU) to receive this opportunity.
The Roadmap Scholars program aims to support underrepresented first-generation and minority students who are interested in law careers. First-generation students are those whose immediate family members have not attended college. The initiative provides resources and mentorship that many participants may not otherwise access.
“This is basically life-changing, because it’s giving me tons of resources I’ve never had access to in my life,” said Clark, who grew up in Great Falls with her mother. This summer, she will spend three weeks at UVA Law attending mock classes, touring law firms, and networking with peers. The all-expenses-paid experience includes a $3,000 stipend. In her second year with the program next summer, Clark will return as a mentor for new participants and receive guidance on law school applications and LSAT preparation.
Clark explained that being part of a cohort with similar backgrounds helps level the playing field: “We get to be with other students that are kind of in that same boat as we are… So it’s our opportunity to explore a career field that we didn’t really have as much access to before the program.” She also expressed interest in exploring patent law by combining her scientific studies—cell biology, neuroscience and biochemistry—with legal education: “I want to take the scientific background I’m getting and turn it into a legal perspective.”
Clark credits her independence partly to navigating college without prior family experience but acknowledges campus support systems such as pre-law adviser Sara Callow: “Sara Callow…is one of the best resources I’ve had so far.” Callow said about Clark: “She has been an eager participant in pre-law events and showed a clear interest in patent law from the start – whether working through challenges at events or coming to office hours…”
Clark plans additional research work this summer at MSU when not at UVA Law School. Brian Bothner—a professor overseeing her lab—said: “After mentoring undergraduates in research for over 20 years…the best predictor of success in research is enthusiasm…I see this enthusiasm in Neva…”
Montana State University leads research funding efforts within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university contributes through volunteer efforts, outreach initiatives, and research designed to improve lives and environmental outcomes according to its official website. MSU ranks among the top five percent of global universities per Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
With an enrollment near 17,165 students evenly split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website, MSU operates as Montana’s land-grant university focusing on research-driven solutions for key societal challenges according to its official website. The institution extends influence across Montana through education and community service according to its official website.