A Message from LPS Faculty

Thanks for your interest in LPS!

LPS is one of the few undergraduate sociolegal studies programs in the country. The unique curriculum gives us the opportunity to teach the foundations of the field as well as our own particular interests. The small class sizes allow us to get to know our students. We collaborate on research, internships, travel seminars, and more.

Many students come to LPS because they are interested in law school. We are proud of our strong record of mentoring students into legal careers. But we are equally proud of our record mentoring students into the nonprofit sector, politics, government, social services, and business.  

Regardless of their path, we enjoy working with students on understanding the relationship between law, politics, and society—whether it’s formal law, like Supreme Court decisions, or the way law operates in everyday life.

We hope you find our website helpful. There is information on the major, on classes to take, and organizations to be involved in once you get here. Please also check out our newsletter, LPS Press, to see what’s going on in the department.

And please schedule a visit! The office of admissions can make arrangements for both virtual and in-person experiences. You can tour the campus, observe a class, and meet with any of us to talk more about Drake and LPS. And, of course, you may reach out to us via email. We’d be happy to chat.

Thank you for your interest in LPS. We hope to see you soon!

Will Garriott, chair
Nathaniel Holdren
Ali Malik
Leanne Purdum
Abigail Stepnitz