Stanford B. Owen

What is it about being an adjunct law professor at Boyd that has motivated you to make 286 round trips from your home in Salt Lake City Utah to teach at UNLV? 

In addition to being an adjunct at Boyd each Thursday, I teach at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham University in Provo, Utah, Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday I fly to Boyd -down and back the same day. Why would anybody do that?

In answering this question, I have considered but ruled out insanity, poor judgment, and an uncontrollable desire for airplane snacks.

I think the answer is simply the wonderful, diverse student body at Boyd. Although all of the students are terrific, it is the endearing mix of delightful students at Boyd that makes me endure the constant middle seat assignment on Delta Airlines, the “cattle call” boarding process of Southwest Airlines, and the inevitable turbulence descending into McCarran Airport. 

The lyrics of an old Peter, Paul, and Mary song “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir” best express my feelings.

All God's critters got a place in the choir
Some sing low, some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
And some just clap their hands, or paws or anything they got now.

Everybody here is a part of the plan
We all get to play in the great critter band
From the eagle in the sky to the whale in the sea
It's one great symphony.

(Lyrics by Bill Staines) Recently re-recorded by Peter Paul and Mary in their Album In these times

I simply love the symphony of diversity at Boyd, from the eagle who makes law review and soars in the sky to the whale who flounders a bit and just gets by.

And that is what motivates me to fly in and out each Thursday.

When students ask you what they should read outside the required textbooks and other law-related books, what do you suggest?

There are two books I recommend: Make Your Bed, Little Things that Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven and GRIT, the Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. Both contain life lessons that lead to success.