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Íæż½ã½ãLaw’s Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center is proud to announce the first class of Criminal Law Scholars, a distinguished cohort of students committed to advancing research, advocacy, and reform in criminal justice.

The Deason Center’s Criminal Law Scholarship offers law students a unique opportunity to engage in data-driven research and advocacy focused on criminal justice reform. In addition to receiving a scholarship to attend Íæż½ã½ãLaw, these students will work on impactful criminal justice reform projects at the Deason Center:

Max Boyd is a 1L at Íæż½ã½ãDedman School of Law. Before law school, he spent more than a decade in the field of education, teaching writing at the University of Montana, mentoring post-baccalaureate students at San Francisco State University, and instructing students at St. John’s School in Houston, Texas.

Boyd brings a diverse professional background to the Deason Center. Before his career in education, he oversaw operations and managed a team of 200 at one of Best Buy’s highest-grossing locations. His expertise in leadership, conflict resolution, and public speaking—honed both in the classroom and in business—aligns with his dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and public service.

Boyd earned a B.A. in English from Vassar College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Montana.

Candace Simpson, a proud native of League City, Texas, graduated with honors in 2023 from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in Legal Studies.

During her undergraduate years, she served as the community service chair for the National Panhellenic Council, where she organized numerous campus-wide community service events to provide necessities for low-income individuals and support pro bono legal assistance.

She is deeply passionate about criminal law, recognizing its potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals within the justice system.

The Deason Center sets Íæż½ã½ãapart as a prominent institution for criminal legal research, and provides Criminal Law Scholars access to thought leaders, exclusive events, and a network of experts. This scholarship program equips future lawyers with the skills and connections necessary to address pressing criminal justice issues while advancing meaningful reform at local and national levels.