Distinguished Teaching Professor Award
- Marianna B. Bettman
Professor Emerita of Practice
College of Law
At age 30, Marianna Brown Bettman entered law school, fulfilling a dream her mother had attempted long before her. A community organizer, she recognized the need for legal solutions to address racial injustices she witnessed in the late '60s and early '70s.
This brought her to the College of Law — first as a student and then a beloved professor. Professor Bettman gained acclaim as a successful private practice attorney. Wanting to impact society on a broader scale, she was elected to Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals. Following a career as an attorney and jurist, she returned to the university where her knowledge and experience helped shape many young lawyers.
Known as a tough but fair professor, her reputation preceded her. Everyone knew that Professor Bettman’s first year torts class was not the class for which one wanted to be unprepared — ever. She set high expectations and dedicated herself to ensuring all could meet them.
Professor Bettman’s expertise and insight into the legal system garners respect from all. Her students are not just prepared for a final, but for a future in the legal community.
Her in-depth knowledge of the law has led to speaking engagements on tort reform, separation of powers, state constitutional law in Ohio, the Ohio Supreme Court and judge elections. She authors the well-respected blog Legally Speaking Ohio and newspaper column Legally Speaking. This is in addition to her work directing the Judge-in-Residence and Judicial Extern programs. Finally, she has been recognized at every level for her contributions to the legal profession.