Mary Caudill

After 28 years of service to the University of Richmond School of Law, Mary Caudill is retiring. In September 1986, Ms. Caudill began working at the University's international languages department, the same month her son Michael began his first year at Richmond Law. A few weeks later, she accepted a full-time position at the law school's Admissions Office, but only after running the idea by her son.

Since then, Ms. Caudill has been the welcoming face of the Admissions Office, offering information, support, and advice to students. She said, "I try to make them feel at home." She also tells students, "It's not always a bed of roses. If you have a problem, just come on in."

She credits the law school with creating a sense of community for the students. "Everyone is giving of time and making them feel comfortable." She said the Admission Office advises applicants to visit law schools before making a decision. "I always tell them, this is what you need to do—schedule a visit to a first year class, tour the school, talk to students and professors and see if this school is a good fit for you."

Ms. Caudill also characterized the Admissions Office work environment as a collaborative effort. She explained, "It's about what everyone needs to do to get the projects out. Sometimes the work is fast paced, but we all work together to get it done."

Ms. Caudill attended Lees-McRae College in North Carolina, which she described as a small and beautiful school like the University of Richmond. She said she feels very fortunate to work in a similar setting. "It's such a beautiful campus. I smile every morning I drive to campus," she added.

"I love it here," she said. "I love the students. This is one thing I'm going to miss." She said the best things about her job were the students and the camaraderie of everyone on campus. "I work hard, but I have a good time." She added, "To me, it's a job that you want to do well and you want to help other people."

Ms. Caudill considers the law school to be her extended family. She often jokes with her five children by telling them they have 400 brothers and sisters at the law school. In addition to her son graduating from Richmond Law, two of her children attended University of Richmond as undergraduates.

After retiring, Ms. Caudill plans to travel. She enjoys vacationing at dude ranches in Montana where she rides horses and visiting her family in California and North Carolina.