BA in Law Major Karen Jacquez Receives Provost Award

The Provost Award goes to an outstanding graduating student who transferred to the university from an Arizona community college. Criteria for the award include perseverance and commitment to academic studies, contributions to the university community, and above-average scholastic ability, citizenship and leadership.

Karen Jacquez was born and raised in Tucson. She is an artist, single mother and full-time student. Outside of school, she has become involved with Groundworks, a local nonprofit organization promoting youth-driven music and art. Prior to enrolling at the University of Arizona, she was involved with the Pima Community College honors program, which regularly held volunteer activities for students.

Jacquez is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in law – a degree offered by the School of Government and Public Policy and the James E. Rogers College of Law – and a minor in psychology. Prior to attending the university, Jacquez received an associate degree in liberal arts from Pima Community College. She also completed her real estate credentials at the Hogan School of Real Estate.

She is a recipient of the Valley Foundation Scholarship, received the Dean's Badge of Engagement for completing a leadership academy at the university, and was on the Dean's List with distinction for all three semesters she attended. In addition, she worked with the Adalberto and Ana Guerrero Student Center and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, creating content for their social media pages.

Through her personal involvement with family law, while trying to gain sole custody of her daughter, Jacquez became inspired to help others navigate through this difficult experience. Following graduation, she will attend the University of Arizona Law, with plans to practice family law.

Jacquez says she loved her major and all her courses but wants to give special kudos to her advisor Sarah Williams and instructor Judith McDaniel.

“Sarah Williams facilitated the process of graduation and applying to law school by going above and beyond and being extremely reachable at all times of the year,” Jacquez said. “Judith McDaniel went above and beyond as a professor, and you can tell that she loved what she was teaching in her courses. My experience here at the University of Arizona wouldn’t have been the same without those two individuals.”

Content from the Dean of Students website.

This article was originally published on the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences website.