Mitchell Hamline School of Law
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    Mitchell Hamline School of Law, located in St. Paul, Minnesota offers a rigorous, practice-based experience, preparing graduates to serve clients and communities. Our motivated students study full time or part time, on-campus or partially online in the way that fits their lives.

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    Mitchell Hamline School of Law

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Faculty, Staff, and Administration

Sharon Van Leer

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Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sharon is a native Minnesotan who grew up in the Rondo Community and moved to White Bear Lake because of the gentrification of the Rondo Community. Sharon worked for The Higher Education Assistant Foundation from 1984 – 1991 as the Minnesota Regional Coordinator for Federal Guaranteed Student Loans. She provided technical support for the guaranteed student loan program, and assisted in the recovery of defaulted student loans for Minnesota, Iowa, Chicago, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota

Sharon came to Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 1991 as a faculty administrative assistant, contributing to the overall effectiveness and professional administrative support to full-time faculty, visiting scholars and distinguished judges. Sharon currently works in the Office of Multicultural and International Inclusion as program manager.

Sharon earned a Masters in Public Administration from Bethel University and a BA in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University.

Sharon has been very active in numerous civic and community organizations including:

  • School Board Treasurer – South Washington County Schools
  • Steering Committee Member – YMCA Racial Justice
  • Member of the National Association of International Educators
  • Member of the Twin Cities Diversity Round Table
  • Executive Board Member for Law School Diversity Professional
  • City of Lakes Jack & Jill of America –Executive Board Member and Financial Secretary
  • South Washington Educational Foundation Board Member
  • South Washington County Education Equity and Integration Community Advisory Board
  • Past member of William Mitchell College of Law Dean’s Diversity Council
  • District Diversity Representative for Woodbury Senior High
  • Past President of Parent Support Council – JJ Hill Elementary School
  • Member of Washington County Foster Parent Association
  • Past Member of the Selby-Dale Safety Committee
  • Past Secretary for the Greater St. Paul Area Church Women United
  • Past Fundraising Chair – St. Paul American Cancer Society

Momma Sharon, as she is affectionately called, is married to the Rev. Thomas Van Leer and they have 5 children;14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 36 foster children, and 22 great foster grandchildren.

Sharon Van Leer

Sharon Van Leer

sharon.vanleer @mitchellhamline.edu

651-290-6352

Fax: 651-290-7538

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Room 121



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The Mitchell Hamline J.D.

  • In the Classroom
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J.D. enrollment options

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Specialized Degree Programs

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Certificate Programs

Special Programs

  • Expert Witness Training Academy
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875 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105-3076 1-888-962-5529 651-227-9171

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

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