Two School of Law Professors Honored with State Bar of New Mexico Awards
August 21, 2025 - Emily Romero
The School of Law is pleased to announce that Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin and Professor David Stout have been recognized with two of the State Bar of New Mexico’s 2025 Annual Awards for their outstanding contributions to the legal community.
Professor Rankin received the Justice Pamela B. Minzner Outstanding Women’s Advocacy Award. This newly established award recognizes attorneys who have provided legal assistance to unrepresented or underserved women, or who have advocated for causes that advance the rights of women.
Professor Rankin shared, “Receiving the Justice Minzner Women’s Advocacy Award means the world to me. Her example reminds us that leading with clarity and courage isn’t just admirable, it’s necessary. I’m deeply grateful for the women who paved the way for me, and I hope my work – in law, in tech, and in the classroom – helps others feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead. My path hasn’t been traditional, and I’m so thankful for a legal community that honors the many ways we serve through the practice of law.”
The State Bar also honored Professor Stout with the Excellence in Well-Being Award, which honors individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact on the well-being of the New Mexico legal community. This award highlights efforts to destigmatize mental health, strengthen resiliency, and encourage a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Professor Stout reflected, “I am honored by the State Bar’s recognition, though I feel undeserving. There are so many others who have done far more, for far longer to improve the health and well-being of law students and lawyers. It has been accurately said that ‘we have all been warmed by a fire we did not build.’ What little I may have accomplished is payment on a very large debt I owe to those who cared enough to rescue me from a pointless death. I will be forever grateful for their love and compassion.”
The School of Law congratulates Professor Rankin and Professor Stout on these well-deserved honors.
