Staff

• B.A., University of Tennessee
• M.A., University of Texas
• J.D., University of Memphis School of Law

Andrew McRee serves as the Assistant Dean for Student and Career Services. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee, Masters of Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis School of Law.

While in law school, McRee competed on mock trial and moot court teams and served as an associate editor of the Law Review. After completing his legal studies, McRee practiced general civil litigation at Woolf, McClane, Bright, Allen, & Carpenter, PLLC in Knoxville. McRee is an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association, a member of the Barristers organization, and chair of the Barrister’s Habitat for Humanity Committee.

• B.S., Spring Hill College
• M.B.A, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• J.D., Samford University, Cumberland School of Law

• B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• J.D., Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
• M.P.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville

• B.S., Mississippi College

Kathy Baughman began working at LMU Law as a faculty assistant in October 2011. Her work experience in Knoxville includes six years at Grace Christian Academy and two years at South College. Prior to moving to Tennessee, Baughman worked at Mississippi College. While working there, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism. She minored in graphic design.

Baughman has written several articles for local newspapers and also has experience in print and web design.

• A.S., Southeast Kentucky & Technical College
• B.S., Western Governors University
• B.S., University of the Cumberlands 
• M.A., University of the Cumberlands 

Hesper Capps began working at LMU Law as a Faculty Assistant in August 2017. Prior to this position, Hesper was the Administrative Assistant for the School of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences for three years. She also served as the Administrative Assistant for the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Criminal Justice programs.

Before coming to LMU, Hesper was a small business owner in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee for three years where she taught multiple variations of dance, including ballet, pointe, and tap.

• B.S., Tusculum College
• M.A., Tusculum College

Trish Carroll is the Assistant Director of Admissions at LMU Law, bringing extensive experience in higher education administration and human resources. Since joining LMU Law in 2009 as Assistant to the Director of Admissions, she has played a pivotal role in the admissions office, serving in multiple capacities, including Interim Director of Admissions during the 2011 national search for a Chief Enrollment Officer. Her leadership and commitment have been instrumental in streamlining the admissions process and enhancing support for prospective students.

A member of the LMU community since 2003, Trish previously held various administrator roles in the university’s human resources office before transitioning to the law school. Her diverse background in admissions, student services, and human resources provides a strong foundation in enrollment management and institutional operations.

Before joining LMU, she served as an On-Site Supervisor and Human Resources Generalist for Manpower at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Kentucky, where she gained valuable experience in talent management and organizational development.

Trish holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from Tusculum College.

Melissa Montroy serves as the Executive Assistant to the Dean for LMU Law.  She previously worked for more than 10 years with Justice Gary R. Wade during his time with the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and Tennessee Supreme Court, including his term as Chief Justice.  Upon Justice Wade’s retirement from the Supreme Court in 2015, he was appointed as Dean at LMU Law and Melissa continued the journey with him to the school.  While Justice Wade has since retired from the school, she has remained in her position at LMU Law.

• J.D., Wake Forest University

Caitlin Torney is well known in the Knoxville and East Tennessee legal communities, having worked as the Director of Pro Bono for Legal Aid of East Tennessee since 2020. In December 2024, Caitlin was awarded the KBA President’s Award for her work on the KBA’s Access to Justice Committee. Caitlin graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2010 and has practiced in both North Carolina and Tennessee. 

Caitlin’s work with the local bar and law students while at LAET will be a tremendous asset to our student body and in fulfilling the law school’s mission. She is uniquely situated to build on the foundation our Career Services Office has created with employers throughout our region and beyond, while also expanding pro bono and service opportunities for our students and graduates.

• J.D., LMU Duncan School of Law

Kasey Wasson brings a deep connection to the LMU community to her new role. No stranger to LMU, Wasson attended LMU for her undergrad from 2013 to 2017.  Wasson was a member of the LMU women's golf team while pursuing her studies in English literature. She continued her academic journey by earning her juris doctor (JD) at LMU Law in 2020.

Prior to her current appointment, Wasson practiced family law in Knoxville, demonstrating her commitment to the legal profession and her dedication to serving the community. Her background in law and commitment to LMU make her a valuable addition to the Advancement department.

• B.A., Union University
• Paralegal Science, South University
• J.D., University of Tennessee

• B.S. Psychology from Roanoke College

Paige Dzindolet joined LMU Law in July 2024 as a staff assistant. Previously, Paige worked as a Human Resources Assistant with Target Corporation and, more recently, as the Graduate Administrative Assistant at the LMU School of School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in Harrogate, Tennessee.

• B.A., Sam Houston Station University

Catherine Kelly began working at LMU Law as a Faculty Assistant in February 2021.  Her work experience includes over a decade of customer service experience in various fields and positions in both Tennessee and Texas, the latter of which she moved from in 2018.

• BFA, University of Tennessee

• A.A. Criminal Justice from Harford Community College
• A.A.S Paralegal Studies from SUNY Jefferson

Jennifer Richardson joined LMU Law in April 2022 as a faculty assistant. Previously, Jennifer worked for a low-income housing development company called LHP Capital.