December 8, 2008—Houston attorney and South Texas College of Law graduate Michael S. Hays begins his tenure as Chairman of the law school’s board of directors this month. Hays, a 1974 graduate of South Texas, is the named shareholder of Houston’s Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering where he specializes in professional and products liability, legal ethics, personal injury, and general commercial litigation. “The faculty and staff are thrilled with the choice of Mike Hays as the new board chairman,” says South Texas President and Dean James Alfini. “Mike has consistently and passionately demonstrated his commitment to our law school.” Hays joined the board in April, 2005 and served on the executive committee, audit committee, building and technology committee, and the development committee.

In addition to selecting a new board chairman, the South Texas Board of Directors welcomes new member Margaret B. Shannon. Shannon is a vice president and the general counsel of BJ Services Company, a NYSE Fortune 500 international oilfield services company. She is a former partner at Andrews Kurth L.L.P. and a graduate of Southern Methodist University.