This week on the blog, NMBLC spotlights Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin, who recently made tenure at UNM School of Law. The profile “Being About Excellence” first appeared in the August 2023 edition of NMBLC’s monthly newspaper, the UpLift Chronicles.
For more great articles about the people, places, and happenings of Albuquerque’s Black communities, subscribe to the UpLift Chronicles.
The following piece was written by Sean Cardinalli.
Being About Excellence — UNM School of Law Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin Makes Full Tenure
We’re sending hearty congratulations to Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin on her promotion to tenured professor at UNM School of Law! Gipson Rankin is known for her computer science accolades and passion for racial justice. Her scholarship in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) is sought by major news sources like the BBC and NPR.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, in 2019, noted only 2.1% of tenured faculty at American universities were Black women. So, Gibson Rankin appreciates students gratified to see someone who looks like them teaching class, showing that they, too, can accomplish big goals. We see you, Professor Rankin Gipson, and we celebrate your accomplishment! Below is her Q&A.
What led you to where you are today, career-wise?
My third-grade teacher [once] stood on a desk to hang something from the ceiling. While on the desk, she started tap dancing. All of the students were amazed and I said to myself, “this is what I want to do when I grow up.” I have yet to tap dance in the classroom, but I do try to wow students when I can!
One of the most impactful parts of my journey has been my children. My daughters were born while I was a law student. I come from a tech family. I knew I would study computer science, but my plan was to become a patent attorney to help Black Americans get patents for tech inventions.
Life has turned and twisted a bit, but I would not change one step of the journey.
Did you face any obstacles as a Black woman studying and teaching law?
Were there complexities due to race? Absolutely. Some people are so trifling and have time to be unkind or evil. But I keep one thought at the top of my mind: There is nothing wrong with me; there is something broken about them. I was taught a particular mindset: (1) you can do anything you want to do, (2) be about excellence, and (3) you are required to give back.
Only 12 out of 250 students [at the University of Illinois College of Law] were Black and we stuck together. Black Law Student Association members babysat my kids, shared their casebooks and materials, and reviewed my scholarship…[and now] I have the most gracious and generous colleagues at the University of New Mexico School of Law.
I am a member of Lutie A. Lytle Sisters, an organization named for a daughter of formerly enslaved parents who became one of the world’s first Black woman law professors. They carefully support current and aspiring Black women law faculty.
“You will be surprised at the adventures that are waiting on the other side of saying yes to life!”
— Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin
Any words of wisdom to share with students?
My mother, Rev. Dr. Sheila A. Gipson, passed away May 30, 2023. She was the best mommy who ever mommied, and I am still in shock. She would say, “Why not try? If it doesn’t work, do something else.” I encourage people to give it a try. You will be surprised at the adventures that are waiting on the other side of saying yes to life!
In the News
Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin has been interviewed by KOB, NPR, and BBC! Check it all out below.
2021 NPR Interview about Jury Selection in the Murder Trial of George Floyd
2023 BBC Interview about Laws Affecting the Role of Tech Giants in Monitoring Harmful Content
2023 KOB4 Interview About the Risks of Artificial Intelligence
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/unm-professor-highlights-major-concerns-over-ai/
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Shannon Moreau is the Editor of the NMBLC EQ Blog