Shaler Area High School alumnus Jerry Dickinson serves as the Vice Dean and a Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He explains, “As Vice Dean, I oversee the administration and operation of the law school, including curriculum development, faculty supervision, and strategic planning. As a professor, I teach courses in constitutional law, property law, and civil rights while mentoring students and conducting research on constitutional politics and social justice issues. A typical day involves teaching, preparing lectures, meeting with students, and working on scholarly publications.”
After graduating Shaler Area High School in 2005, Dickinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from College of the Holy Cross. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.). He subsequently completed my Juris Doctor (J.D.) at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
Dickinson’s interest in the law was sparked by his own insight into the inequities that exist in our communities and the powerful effect advocacy can have. He shares, “Growing up in a multiracial foster home in Shaler Township, I experienced firsthand the challenges of systemic inequities, which inspired my interest in law and civil rights. My Fulbright experience in South Africa further solidified my commitment to advocacy and constitutional law. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to inspire future lawyers and contribute to meaningful social change through my research and teaching.”
Dickinson credits his time in the district with laying a robust foundation for his career pursuits. He reflects, “Shaler Area High School provided a strong foundation for my education and instilled in me the importance of perseverance and community. The supportive environment and dedicated teachers encouraged me to aim high and embrace leadership roles. During my time at Shaler Area, I served as senior class president, editor-in-chief of The Oracle, captained the boys’ soccer team, and was the placekicker for the football team. These experiences allowed me to embrace all three worlds of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities to build leadership skills that would prepare me for a career serving the public interest.”
