The 177 members of one of Elon Law's largest entering classes heard a Call to Honor from North Carolina District Court Judge Tia Hudgins Taylor L'18, who challenged students to pursue character, service and lifelong learning throughout their legal careers.
As Elon University School of Law welcomed the 177 members of the Class of 2028 during Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 4, North Carolina District Court Judge Tia Hudgins Taylor L’18 encouraged the law school’s newest students to ground their legal careers in character, service and integrity.
“Your future will be shaped far less by the titles you earn than by the person you become while earning them,” said Taylor, delivering the annual Call to Honor in downtown Greensboro’s Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. “I hope people know you as someone they can trust. Someone who’s prepared. Someone who listens. Someone who treats everyone with dignity. Someone who uses the law not simply to make a living, but to make a difference.”
Taylor serves North Carolina’s Judicial District 8, hearing cases in Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson counties following her 2025 appointment by Governor Josh Stein. Drawing on her own path from Elon Law graduate to assistant district attorney, private practice attorney, adjunct professor and judge, she reminded students that the most meaningful legal careers are built one opportunity — and one relationship — at a time.
Taylor didn’t imagine becoming a judge when she arrived at law school. In fact, she’d planned on a career in sports and entertainment law. But through her law school experiences, including a Residency-in-Practice with the Guilford County Public Defender’s Office and an internship at the Alamance County District Attorney’s Office, she found her calling.
She implored students to remain open to opportunities they cannot yet see, trusting that each experience will prepare them for what comes next.
Throughout her remarks, Taylor encouraged students to:
- “Walk through every door” Elon Law opens, knowing that the lessons you learn and the skills you develop may prepare you for tomorrow’s unexpected paths.
- Never stop learning, remaining curious, humble and open to growth throughout your legal career.
- Remember the people behind every case, approaching each client with compassion and respect as well as legal skill.
Student Bar Association President Trey Sharpe McClenny L’26 echoed Taylor’s message, reminding students that the legal profession is defined by character.
“Law school will provide you a lot of titles beyond lawyer,” McClenny said. “You will become a counselor, an advocate, an officer of the court. But to many, you will simply become their lawyer on speed dial. Wear those titles with kindness and compassion. Be someone that others trust and want beside them.”
Provost Rebecca Kohn welcomed students to Elon University and introduced one of the university’s longstanding traditions. Named for the Hebrew word for “oak,” Elon presents each new student with an acorn symbolizing the beginning of their academic journey. At graduation, students receive an oak sapling representing the growth they have experienced during their time at Elon and the continued growth that lies ahead.
Kohn also highlighted the close faculty mentorship and academic rigor that define the Elon experience.
“Elon Law faculty engage with students both inside and outside the classroom,” Kohn said. “They’re known for their accessibility and responsiveness to students, and they will stretch you and challenge you more than you thought possible.”
Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer closed the ceremony by reflecting on a conversation with with Taylor before Convocation. Taylor told him she hadn’t envisioned becoming a judge until an Elon Law mentor recognized qualities in her that she had not yet seen in herself. Building on Taylor’s message, Kramer encouraged students to embrace every opportunity at law school, reminding them that each one will shape their careers in unexpected ways.
“We don’t know yet where your career is going to take you, but I promise you that each and every one of us at Elon is completely committed to helping you get there,” Kramer said. “We will take your dreams seriously, we will hold them precious, and we will do everything in our power to launch you into the life that you have imagined.”