Law school reach expands with first out-of-state 4+3 partner
September 22-28, 2025
By Felisha Weaver
A new agreement between UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, will provide qualified Centenary students with a direct pathway to law school, expanding access to legal education and professional opportunity across state lines.
Leaders from both institutions formalized the partnership on Aug. 29 during a ceremony at Centenary’s Hall of Fame Room. The agreement guarantees admission to Bowen Law for Centenary students who meet specific academic criteria: a bachelor’s degree from Centenary, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher, and a minimum LSAT score of 154 within five years of starting law school.
“Bowen Law is proud to join Centenary College as our first 4+3 partner outside the state of Arkansas,” said Colin Crawford, Bowen dean. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparing talented students for meaningful legal careers.”
Bowen Law’s capital city location gives students unique access to state government, nonprofit organizations, and leading legal employers. Recognized by preLaw Magazine as a Best Value Law School and a Top Public Service School, Bowen continues to expand its reach through partnerships that align with its core values: access to justice, public service, and professionalism.
Centenary College President Christopher Holoman described the agreement as “path-breaking” and shared how excited students were to engage with Dean Crawford during their campus visit.
“I attended our annual activity fair, Campus Connections, earlier this week and talked to one of the students at the pre-law table,” Holoman said. “She was so excited about this opportunity and for the chance to really talk to the leadership of the law school during their visit to Centenary this week.”
During the ceremony, Dean Crawford gave special thanks to Dr. Cragin “Craig” Shelton, a 1971 Centenary alumnus and current Bowen Law student, who helped facilitate the partnership and was present for the event. Crawford also praised the Centenary undergraduates he met during his two-day campus visit.
“I spent much of yesterday with many of your students in different settings,” Crawford said. “They were so impressive and so eager to learn about law. I really hope we’ll be welcoming them to the Bowen School of Law and look forward to this collaboration.”
Caption:
Centenary President Christopher Holoman (left) and Bowen School of Law Dean Colin Crawford (right) sign the 4+3 Partnership. Photo provided
