Making Black History Today

Dean Felecia Epps on Military Leadership & AI in Law


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From the Marine Corps to law school dean—how one leader's journey reveals what justice requires in the age of AI.


Dean Felecia Epps didn't take a typical path to legal leadership. As a Marine Corps Major, she learned discipline, courage, and what it means to serve under pressure. Now, as Dean of UNT Dallas College of Law, she's preparing the next generation of attorneys for a legal landscape being transformed by artificial intelligence.


In this conversation, Dean Epps connects her military experience to her legal career, shares how the Great Migration shaped her family's pursuit of justice, and offers an urgent perspective on AI's impact on law schools and legal practice. She also addresses why equity, access, and representation in the legal profession aren't just ideals—they're necessities for a functioning justice system.


This episode reveals what happens when leadership is grounded in service, shaped by history, and focused on the future.


What You'll Discover:

- How Marine Corps leadership principles translate to legal education

- The Great Migration's lasting influence on her family and career

- AI's real impact on law schools, legal practice, and justice

- Why representation and access remain critical in today's legal landscape

- What it takes to be one of the few Black women Marine Majors in history

- How UNT Dallas College of Law is preparing lawyers for tomorrow


Key Moments:

7:29 – Great Migration and Its Impact on Her Family

32:34 – How AI Is Reshaping the Future of Law

45:28 – The "Tennis Shoe" Story: A Lesson in Humility

52:23 – How Many Black Women Have Been Marine Majors?

1:12:34 – What "Making Black History Today" Means to You


This is Making Black History Today—conversations with leaders shaping justice, equity, and innovation right now.


Follow Making Black History Today on Spotify. If Dean Epps' story inspired you, leave a 5-star rating and share this episode with future leaders, attorneys, and changemakers.

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Making Black History TodayBy Hosted by Liz and Porter