Celebrating the Legacies of Alan Meisel, Beth Ann Pischke, and Mary Nell Cummings
After more than five decades at the University of Pittsburgh—including 49 years at Pitt Law—Professor Alan Meisel is retiring. A pioneer in health law and legal education, Professor Meisel has left an indelible mark as founder of the Center for Bioethics and Health Law, creator of the Health Law Certificate Program, and driving force behind the development of our innovative online programs. His vision helped shape the Master of Studies in Law and its online delivery, opening the doors of legal education to countless non-JD professionals.
After 41 years of dedicated service, Beth Ann Pischke is also retiring from her role with the School of Law and the Center for Bioethics & Health Law. Beth Ann has been an integral part of the Pitt Law community, supporting students, faculty, and staff. She has played a pivotal role in the development and daily operations of our online programs.
Professor Mary Nell Cummings will step away from her role as Director of the Health Care Compliance Graduate Certificate Program at Pitt Law after years of dedicated service. A key architect of the program, she collaborated with faculty, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and industry experts to build a rigorous, practice-focused curriculum.
Welcoming New Leadership: Marily Nixon, Denise Korzon, and Marye Phillips
Professor Marily Nixon, who has been a part of Pitt Law Online since 2020, will now lead the program. A seasoned legal educator and practitioner, Professor Nixon created the Online MSL program and serves as its Director. Professor Nixon, who joined the faculty in 2017, continues to teach in-person courses in law, policy, and legal skills, drawing from over 20 years of experience in private firms, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Professor Marye Phillips will step into the role of Director of the Health Care Compliance Online Program. A longtime faculty member in the program, Professor Phillips has taught key courses, including Compliance for Insurers and Introduction to the Legal System. With a career in healthcare compliance spanning over two decades, including work at CMS during the implementation of Medicare Part D, Professor Phillips brings a wealth of expertise to this role.
Denise Korzon joins the team with a strong background in education, communications, and student support. A graduate of Duquesne University and Carlow University, Denise has spent the past decade at the University of Pittsburgh, supporting student success in various roles across the Institution.