Ryan McConnell

Tell us about your experience as an educator prior to law school.

Before law school I taught seventh grade social studies and high school U.S. history at an online charter school. It was a unique experience teaching students from an office while they were learning from their homes all across Nevada. It allowed me to travel and stay in places I would normally never go, such as Hawthorne, Nevada. I still prefer teaching in the classroom, but I appreciated the unique experience. Bottom line: We all need to support civics education in our schools!

So who among Boyd faculty in particular has stood out in terms of teaching style?

Professor Thom Main and Dean Sara Gordon have both stood out to me as exemplary teachers, though their teaching styles are very different. Professor Main is so engaging and encourages his students to think like lawyers (but not B-lawyers) and explore those creative arguments we want to explore but are hesitant about. Dean Gordon is incredibly organized and straightforward with her lessons which makes them easy to follow and learn,an important skill when teaching the many rules of hearsay.

As a member of Society of Advocates, you are taking the lead in the administration of this year's Frank A. Schreck Gaming Law Moot Court Competition in March. How goes the prep work?

We have hit the ground running with Schreck! Co-Chair Arthur Burns is writing a great problem and we are starting to see registrations fill up. We are excited and hoping to host a great competition that will continue to showcase Boyd as the top destination for students interested in gaming law.

Waffles or pancakes? 

This was easily the hardest question on this list... I really like both, but I'm going with pancakes (with chocolate chips if you got 'em)!