Rodney Akers has had a lot of firsts in his life. He was the first child to go to a desegregated school in his hometown of Martinsville, Va., the first person in his family to go to college, and the first to graduate law school. You may think he mapped out his destiny, but that would be mistaken.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 entertain the idea of going to law school until my third year at the University of Virginia,鈥� he said. That鈥檚 when he wrote an Honors Thesis about desegregation in his hometown.
鈥淥ne of the things that intrigued me was my experience in my hometown was very peaceful. That was not the norm everywhere,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat made me realize the law could be very impactful on people鈥檚 lives.鈥�
As an undergrad, he says his goal was far less specific than going to law school, but when he decided to apply, he got into the best 鈥� Harvard Law School. When he arrived at Harvard, he found his fellow students were already planning careers in finance or large New York law firms.
鈥淲hen I arrived in law school, I was surrounded by people who knew their path. I did not have that perspective,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y goal was to be a well-rounded individual. I was always driven by academic curiosity.鈥�
That is something he tries to instill in his students as an adjunct professor at 麻豆精品. 鈥淚 appreciate the opportunity to make an impact on the minds of young people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 believe in servant leadership, and the mission of service to others attracted me to Carlow.鈥�
The Carlow community has received him well, too. Students have returned exceptional reviews of his teaching and leadership.
鈥淐arlow is so fortunate to have on its faculty a person of Rodney鈥檚 stature, talent, training, and integrity,鈥� said Howard Stern, PhD, professor and director of Carlow鈥檚 MBA program. 鈥淗is professional skills are exceptional, but beyond that, he embodies the values and spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Rodney is a charismatic person, who brings a level of excitement and enthusiasm to the classroom. Our students are in awe of him!鈥�
Akers worked in Pennsylvania鈥檚 Office of General Counsel for almost 20 years until his recent retirement. He was originally appointed by Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, and, as often the case in an appointed position, was ready to step down when Republican Tom Corbett succeeded Gov. Rendell. Gov. Corbett kept him on and so did former Gov. Tom Wolf, and current Gov. Josh Shapiro.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to have served four Pennsylvania governors,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 enjoy working behind the scenes to accomplish larger goals.鈥�
Despite his desire to stay out of the limelight, the Pennsylvania Bar Association recently recognized Akers as the 鈥淕overnment Lawyer of the Year.鈥� Although the award caught him a bit off guard, he was gratified to receive the honor.
鈥淚n my career, I鈥檝e been told that visibility matters, and I can appreciate that, but I鈥檓 content to work behind the scenes,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ne of the things I enjoy doing is mentoring younger co-workers, and that fits well with teaching, too. I try to mentor everyone, and I believe this award recognizes that as well.鈥�
Before his appointment to the Office of General Counsel, Akers worked for the City of Pittsburgh, and often crossed paths with Dr. Stern, which eventually led Akers to the adjunct position at Carlow.
鈥淗oward is a former colleague at the City of Pittsburgh, and I stayed in touch with him over the years,鈥� he said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a wonderful ambassador for the university.鈥�
Whether mentoring younger colleagues in the General Counsel鈥檚 office or Carlow students in the classroom, Akers says he tries to model not only professional competency, but also human decency.
鈥淟ive your values and be kind to people,鈥� is the advice he offers. 鈥淏e the change you want to see in the world. It鈥檚 not hard.鈥�