Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has recognized six outstanding graduates from the Duncan School of Law (DSOL) as part of its 40 Under Forty program, which celebrates young alumni who demonstrate strong leadership, career success and meaningful contributions to their communities.
The LMU 40 Under Forty program recognizes alumni under the age of 40 who are making an impact in their professions and communities. Honorees are selected based on professional achievement, leadership ability, service and the positive influence they bring to their organizations and industries. The recognition also reflects each recipient’s continued connection to LMU and their reputation as leaders in their field.
The program highlights the real-world impact of an LMU education while strengthening alumni engagement and connection across the university community. By sharing their success, LMU aims to inspire current students and encourage young alumni to stay involved and invested in the University’s future.
“LMU’s 40 Under Forty program is a powerful reminder of what our alumni go on to do after they leave our campus,” said Dr. Frank Woodward, Vice President for University Advancement. “These individuals are building meaningful careers, leading with integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the connection they continue to have with LMU and the role they play in inspiring the next generation of students.”
Honorees from LMU-DSOL represent a range of industries and leadership roles, demonstrating the breadth and strength of LMU’s academic programs. Their work reflects a commitment to excellence, service and continued growth after graduation.
The following LMU-DSOL alumni have been named to LMU’s 40 Under Forty class of 2026. Their accomplishments highlight the lasting impact of an LMU education, as each continues to lead, innovate and give back in ways that strengthen their professions, communities and the University they call home. Their continued success and connection to LMU reflect a strong and engaged alumni community that supports future generations of students.
Jacob Baggett, J.D. ‘15
Oscar Butler, J.D. ‘19
David Gratz, J.D. ‘14
Jordan Newport, J.D. ‘19
Jordan T. Newport is an associate attorney at Egerton, McAfee, Armistead and Davis, P.C., where his practice focuses on business law and litigation, including banking and commercial transactions, business formation, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and a range of civil matters. He has played a key role in closing more than 20 U.S. Small Business Administration loans across East Tennessee totaling approximately $60 million and has assisted in transactions ranging from $50,000 to several hundred million dollars. Newport remains actively engaged in the Knoxville legal community as co-chair of the Knoxville Bar Association Barristers Athletics Committee, a position he has held since 2022, and is committed to mentoring young attorneys as they begin their careers. He maintains strong ties to Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law through panel participation, alumni engagement, and advising on sports law-related matters. Expanding his impact, he is also the owner of Splitter Strong, Inc., a name, image, and likeness collective that supports LMU student-athletes.
Kayla Swiney, B.A., Art ‘13, J.D. ‘17
Kayla Swiney, a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law and the Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, serves as director of bar preparation and assistant professor of law at the LMU Duncan School of Law, where she leads bar preparation initiatives and supports students and graduates through the bar exam and admissions process. An attorney with experience in private practice and as an appellate law clerk for judges on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, she joined LMU Law as a full-time faculty member in 2023. Swiney provides faculty training on bar preparation and academic success, including preparing students for the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam, and has contributed to a 21 percent increase in the school’s first-time bar passage rate over two years. Appointed director of bar success in October 2025, she now leads the Bar Studies Program and presents at academic conferences on topics such as helping students secure accommodations for the bar exam.
Courtney Walker, J.D. ‘18
LMU is proud to recognize these alumni whose achievements continue to strengthen their communities and elevate the University’s legacy. Their ongoing connection to LMU reflects a shared commitment to opportunity, service and student success. The University looks forward to celebrating their continued impact and engaging them in shaping the future of LMU.
To learn more about the LMU 40 Under Forty program and view the full list of honorees, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/giving/40-under-forty-honorees
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
