Tulane Law EDI Dean honored among 40 women making a difference in higher ed

Tracie Ransom, Tulane Law School’s Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, is being recognized later this month by Diverse as one of 40 women across the nation who have made important contributions to higher education.

The online publication announced that it will kick off Women’s History Month with its 13th annual special report recognizing the contributions of women in higher education, it said in a press release. 

The Feb. 29 edition of the publication honors its 40th anniversary with a focus on 40 women who “have made a difference in the academy by tackling some of higher education’s toughest challenges, exhibiting extraordinary leadership skills, and making a positive difference in their respective communities," the article said.

Ransom joined Tulane Law in November 2022 as its inaugural Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, bringing deep expertise and leadership in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, corporate settings and, most relevant here, in higher education.  More than a decade ago, Ransom served on a pro bono basis as Counsel of Record for a national coalition of Black Male Achievement Initiatives in Fisher v. University of Texas, an affirmative action case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2012 Term. 

In amicus briefs before the Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on remand, Ransom advocated in support of holistic, race-conscious admissions policies, asserting arguments regarding the importance of diversity in higher education and our society more broadly.  Ransom has also taught Race and the Law as an Adjunct Professor at Washburn University School of Law and regularly leads workshops as a Strategic Inclusive Leadership Instructor for the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. 

In her brief, but impactful, time at Tulane Law, Ransom has established the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and led the work to more fully integrate EDI values and principles throughout the fabric of the institution.

Ransom leads the five-year strategic planning work for Tulane Law, which ensures that the school is executing on the strategic priorities and objectives of Tulane University’s broader EDI strategic plan.  Among her many contributions, she has prioritized deepening support for our students; engaged with prospective and admitted students to strengthen the pipeline and pathways into law school; developed and delivered programming and workshops for faculty, staff and students, including programming related to the Supreme Court’s recent affirmative action decision; partnered with colleagues to ensure diversity in faculty and staff recruitment, hiring, retention and promotion decisions; and forged relationships with our alumni to deepen connections with and support for our students and Tulane Law community.  Ransom also serves the broader Tulane University community through the development and facilitation of workshops, as well as engagement with and participation on various councils and committees.

Before pursuing EDI work full-time through the consulting firm she founded in 2019, Ransom Strategies Group, Ransom practiced law, while also championing EDI in the legal profession.  She practiced complex litigation for nearly a decade with AmLaw 200-firm Porter Wright in Columbus, Ohio, first as an associate and later as the first Black woman to be elected partner. She then left private practice to go in-house as associate general counsel and department director for Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 investment and financial advisory firm headquartered in St. Louis.

An honors graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Illinois College of Law, Ransom clerked for the Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Hon. James L. Graham of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.