Courtney Cole hails from Cleveland, Ohio and received a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major — biology and criminal justice — from Muskingum University. She went on to Appalachian School of Law where she is a third year student.

She was active in various organizations at Muskingum and has continued at Appalachian: vice president of the Environmental Law Society, photographer for the Legacy Committee, member of the Business and International Law Society, and a team member of the Energy Moot Court competition team.

A lover of nature, as she wrote in her application, “It wasn’t until I paused to take it all in that I really opened my eyes and saw all the environment has to offer. In my time of need, the environment showed me the beauty in a world that seemed to be dark everywhere, coupled with crime and danger. On the hiking trails, I found wildlife that appeared innocent. The air and the breeze made me feel alive. All of these reasons are why I have chosen to pursue a career in environmental law.”

Courtney hopes, after graduation, to go onto a job in the environmental field, “working to better the rules and regulations surrounding both our protection of the environment and our usage of the Earth’s resources.”

As one of her references wrote: “She shows great enthusiasm for the practice of law, takes advantage of every professional opportunity she is given, and represents herself and the school in stellar fashion.”