South University announced today that Program Director, John B. Shupper, J.D., has been promoted to Chair of the Legal Studies Department. As Department Chair, Shupper will have responsibility for the Legal Studies program across the University system, as well as continuing to serve as Program Director for the Columbia campus. Shupper’s new responsibilities include faculty recruitment and faculty development, program and curricular planning, and student support.
“As a successful attorney, Mr. Shupper brings a great combination of experience to South University, both as a teacher and as an administrator,” said Michael Brooks, Ph.D., dean of the college of arts and sciences. “The Legal Studies programs on each campus are approaching reapproval reviews by teams from the American Bar Association, so his promotion timely and significant.”
Shupper is a graduate of the University of South Carolina - School of Law, earning a J.D. degree in 1982. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in Spanish. His past professional experience includes work in various private and public law settings, work with juvenile offenders, and support services for juvenile diversion programs and status offenders. He is also a member of the Institutional Review Board of the University of South Carolina and serves as an ad hoc member of the Clemson University IRB. Shupper represents South University in the Palmetto Paralegal Association and is active in the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Photo: John Shupper with graduate Michelle Kershaw, Class of 2007
About the Legal Studies Program
The Legal Studies department offers degree programs at the associates and bachelor’s level and provides students with a number of academic options. Individuals with an associates degree in Paralegal Studies, or those who are currently pursuing an associates degree in any major, may transfer into the Legal Studies bachelor’s degree program. Students with no prior paralegal education may take the full baccalaureate program. The programs are designed to prepare students for work in legal fields as paralegals, legal assistants or legal aids. The coursework emphasizes keen analytical and critical reasoning skills.
About South University
Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels with campuses located in Columbia, S.C.; Montgomery, Ala.; Richmond, Va., Savannah, Ga.; Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla.
Further information on South University is available at: www.southuniversity.edu.