News Summary
Mark Kightlinger, a long-serving professor at the University of Kentucky’s J. David Rosenberg College of Law, has peacefully passed away. Known for his expertise in various legal fields, including administrative and international law, Kightlinger was remembered fondly by colleagues and students for his mentorship and approachable demeanor. He significantly impacted the college community through his teaching style and personal connections, often incorporating contemporary issues into discussions. The law school deeply mourns his loss and acknowledges his many contributions as an educator and mentor.
Lexington, KY – Mark Kightlinger, a long-serving professor at the University of Kentucky’s J. David Rosenberg College of Law, has passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, July 17. The college community announced his death, though the cause has not been disclosed. Kightlinger was 20 years into his tenure at the university, having joined the faculty in 2004.
Throughout his distinguished career, Kightlinger specialized in various areas of law, including administrative law, constitutional law, international law, law and philosophy, and internet law. Before embarking on his teaching journey at the university, he practiced law at Covington & Burling, LLP in Washington, D.C. His extensive legal and educational experience positioned him as a respected figure in the academic community.
Colleagues and students remembered Kightlinger not just as an educator but as a devoted mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many aspiring lawyers. The interim dean of the college expressed deep sadness over Kightlinger’s passing and acknowledged his numerous contributions as an esteemed educator and a dear friend to his faculty colleagues.
During his time at the University of Kentucky, Kightlinger served as a faculty adviser to the Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Law, further showcasing his commitment to fostering legal scholarship. Former students frequently recalled his approachable demeanor and relaxed teaching style, noting his preference for dressing in blue jeans and T-shirts during class. This casual approach helped create a comfortable learning environment where students could engage freely.
Several former students reflected on Kightlinger’s ability to connect with them, easing the pressures associated with law school. His discussions often included contemporary issues, movies, and current events, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. His interactions with students were not only educational but also personal, as he often brought his guide dog to class, exemplifying his warmth and kindness.
The University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law extended condolences to Kightlinger’s family, emphasizing the profound impact he had on countless lives both inside and outside the classroom. The law school community deeply mourns his loss, remembering Kightlinger for his unique habit of reading while walking through the law building, a testament to his dedication to his work.
A social media post from the university highlighted Kightlinger as a well-loved educator and treasured colleague, eliciting numerous heartfelt tributes from former students and colleagues who shared memories of how he influenced their professional lives. It is evident that his legacy will endure through the many students he mentored and inspired during his time at the University of Kentucky.
As the law school community grapples with this significant loss, Mark Kightlinger will be remembered not only for his academic and professional achievements but also for the compassion and kindness he extended to all those whose lives he touched.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: University of Kentucky Law Professor Passes Away
- Wikipedia: Administrative Law
- Kentucky Kernel: Longtime UK Law Professor Dies
- Google Search: Constitutional Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: International Law
- University of Kentucky Official Site
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